Freezer Basket Kick-Out Mechanism for Better Upper Bin Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In some prior art designs of refrigerators, the upper basket within the storage compartment is not visible when the drawer is opened due to obstruction by the fresh food doors, making it desirable to have an adjustable upper basket that can be moved with the door or remain inside the appliance compartment.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a first and second storage bin within the freezer compartment, where the second bin can be adjusted to either move simultaneously with the first bin or remain stationary by using tabs that interact to determine their movement path, allowing users to choose whether the upper basket is movable with the door or stays inside the compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper basket remains inside the cabinet when the drawer is opened, then the basket structure is simple and stable, but the basket is not visible and inaccessible to users
Solution Approach 1:
The upper basket is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to transition between fixed and movable states. The basket can be kicked outward by the lower basket to become visible and accessible, while remaining structurally simple when stationary. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between visibility/accessibility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper basket utilizes the movement of the lower basket to achieve its own displacement. When the lower basket is pulled outward, it automatically kicks the upper basket into the visible position without requiring separate actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach improves accessibility while minimizing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the upper basket is fixed inside the cabinet, then the structure is stable and simple, but the user cannot access or see the basket contents
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism allows the upper basket to be automatically positioned by the lower basket's movement. The user simply pulls the lower basket, which then kicks the upper basket into position, providing self-service functionality that improves accessibility without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic adjustability where the upper basket can switch between fixed and movable states based on the lower basket's position. This dynamic capability enables user access while maintaining structural simplicity when the basket is in its fixed state.
3Ease of operation
If the second bin is configured to move with the first bin, then both bins are accessible, but the second bin cannot remain stationary for visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The second bin is designed with dynamic movement characteristics, allowing it to be kicked outward by the first bin when needed for visibility, while also being capable of remaining stationary when not in use. This dynamic behavior provides both visibility and movement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement mechanism is segmented into independent components, allowing the first and second bins to move independently or together based on user needs. The second bin can be kicked outward separately or move with the first bin, providing versatile movement options while maintaining visibility capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance is provided that includes a storage compartment comprising a first storage bin and a second storage bin configured to move relative to the storage compartment along a parallel path of movement, a first tab located on the first storage bin, and a second tab located within a perimeter of a surface of the second storage bin. The second tab is in a location that is configured to interact with the first tab at a point along the parallel path of movement. The second storage bin moves simultaneously with the first storage bin while the first tab interacts with the second tab. Either the first storage bin or the second storage bin can be placed in the storage compartment in at least a first orientation and a second orientation, where the second orientation disables the second storage bin from moving simultaneously with the first storage bin.