Freezer Divider Bracket Layout Without a Storage Cross-Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs that use a cross-bar to mount dividers in freezer chambers face issues such as food items snagging on the cross-bar, reduced storage volume, visual unappeal, and compatibility problems with varying cabinet dimensions, leading to inefficient use of space and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A bracket-mounted divider system that extends from the top surface of the freezer chamber into the chamber, eliminating the need for a cross-bar, preserving storage volume, and accommodating minor variations in cabinet dimensions, with a cantilevered bracket supported by insulating material and projections for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cross-bar is used to mount the divider, then the divider is supported within the chamber, but storage volume is reduced and food items can snag on the cross-bar
Solution Approach 1:
The divider support is transitioned from a horizontal cross-bar configuration to a vertical bracket configuration mounted on the rear wall. This dimensional change allows the support structure to be positioned in the vertical dimension rather than extending horizontally into the storage space, thereby maintaining structural support while preserving storage volume and eliminating food snagging issues.
2Reliability
If a cross-bar is used to mount the divider, then the divider is supported, but the cross-bar is visually unappealing and consumes valuable storage volume
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the horizontal cross-bar that extended into the storage chamber and relocated to a vertical bracket mounted on the rear wall. This extraction removes the visually unappealing and space-consuming cross-bar from the storage area while maintaining the necessary divider support through the repositioned bracket system.
3Reliability
If a cross-bar is used to mount the divider, then the divider is supported, but minor variations in cabinet dimensions cause the cross-bar to not fit properly
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with flexible adjustment capabilities, including adjustable fastener positions and adaptable mounting configurations, allowing it to accommodate minor variations in cabinet dimensions across different refrigerator models. This dynamic adjustability ensures proper fit and support without requiring model-specific cross-bars.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance is provided with a bracket disposed within a cavity defined by a cabinet of the appliance. The bracket supports a divider disposed within a chamber defined by the cabinet and configured for receipt of food articles. The divider extends from a top wall of the chamber into the chamber.