Refrigerator Shelf Compartment Cover for One-Handed Deep Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator compartments with pivoting covers often limit the usable volume due to the design of the cover's rotation, requiring both hands for opening and closing, and compromising the maximum height and depth for stored items.
Innovation Solution
A closable container with a pivoting cover system where the front and upper covers rotate around different axes, allowing the front cover to fold inside when open, maximizing the compartment's depth and enabling one-handed operation, while maintaining compactness and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pivoting door is hinged within the compartment to maintain compactness and modularity, then the shelf can be positioned in different locations within the refrigerator, but the maximum usable depth of the compartment is limited by the radius of rotation of the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a two-stage rotation mechanism: first rotating horizontally around hinge pins to open the front, then rotating vertically around a second set of hinge pins to clear the compartment space. This multi-dimensional movement allows the cover to open without being constrained by the compartment's depth, resolving the contradiction between compact hinging and maximum usable depth.
2Ease of operation
If the pivoting door is designed with a front portion joined to an upper portion at a perpendicular angle to enable one-handed operation, then the mechanism can be operated with one hand, but the size of the compartment lid in the rotated position decreases the total usable volume of the covered shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's front portion is designed to nest within the compartment body when opened. The two-stage rotation mechanism allows the front portion to fold back and stack inside the compartment space, clearing the path for item insertion/removal while maintaining one-handed operation capability. This nesting approach eliminates the volume loss that would occur if the cover remained extended in a perpendicular position.
3Device complexity
If the maximum usable depth in the compartment is limited by the radius of rotation of the innermost part of the cover, then the cover can rotate smoothly around pins within the compartment, but the maximum height and depth of items that can be inserted are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover rotation mechanism is divided into two independent segmentation stages: the first stage rotates the front portion around hinge pins located within the compartment, and the second stage rotates the same portion around a second set of hinge pins positioned elsewhere. This segmentation allows each rotation stage to be optimized independently, enabling smooth rotation while maximizing the compartment's usable depth for storing items.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution increases the usable volume of the compartment, allows for easier one-handed access, and maintains the compact, versatile design necessary for repositioning within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
the front cover (30) is provided with a first pair of pins (70) designed to cooperate rotationally with the corresponding first housing seats (90) located in the lateral portions (50, 60)
Implementation Method 2
the door returns to the closed position by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8B
AI summary
Reclosable compartment for refrigerators, particularly suitable for incorporation in removable shelves, openable and reclosable by means of a front cover (30) which is rotatable around a first set of pins (70) on the lateral portions (50, 60) of the said container. In the closed configuration at least one portion of this front cover (30) is in a substantially vertical position, while in the open configuration the said portion (30) is in a substantially horizontal position. The said container also has an auxiliary upper cover (40) rotationally coupled to the lateral portions (50, 60), and rotatable around a second set of pins (80) during its opening and/or closing movement, through contact with the said front cover (30).