Refrigerator Storage Container Pivot Layout for Auto-Closing Tilt Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices with laterally mounted swivel joints for door racks limit design freedom, reduce storage space, and require manual tilting back, leading to discomfort and potential rubbing against internal components.
Innovation Solution
The swivel joint is positioned at the lower front edge of the receiving and holder parts, allowing the receiving part to automatically tilt back due to its weight, eliminating the need for manual intervention and increasing storage space by avoiding lateral obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lateral rotary joints are mounted in the middle of side walls, then the receiving part can be tilted for loading and unloading, but the storage space is reduced and the appearance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary joint is relocated from the lateral middle position to the lower front edge position, changing the spatial dimension and location of the pivot point. This dimensional change allows the receiving part to tilt forward without lateral protrusions, maximizing storage space while maintaining tilting functionality for easy loading and unloading
2Ease of operation
If lateral rotary joints are mounted in the middle of side walls, then the receiving part can be tilted, but the geometric shape design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary joint is extracted from the lateral middle position and relocated to the lower front edge. This extraction eliminates the constraint that lateral joints impose on side wall geometry, allowing the receiving part and holder part to be designed with greater geometric freedom while still enabling necessary tilting movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral rotary joints are mounted in the middle of side walls, then the receiving part can pivot, but manual tilting back is required causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The lower front edge pivot position creates a configuration where the receiving part's weight naturally provides a restoring moment that automatically returns the receiving part to its closed position after tilting. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual tilting back, improving operational comfort while maintaining full tilting capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If lateral rotary joints are mounted in the middle of side walls, then the receiving part can be attached movably, but rubbing against internal components may occur
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the rotary joint from lateral to lower front edge position, the tilting arc and movement path are changed to a forward-tilting motion. This dimensional change in pivot location ensures the receiving part moves clear of internal components in the door compartment, eliminating rubbing while maintaining movable attachment functionality
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
This design enhances comfort, increases storage capacity, and prevents the receiving part from protruding or rubbing against internal components when the door is closed, ensuring efficient use of space and easy loading/unloading of tall items.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving part can automatically or autonomously due to its own weight in its closed end position
Data Source
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AI summary
At least one storage container (BE1) for a refrigerator (KG) comprises a stationary holder part (HT) and a receiving part (AT) which is movably mounted thereon and is used for storing products that are to be cooled. The receiving part (AT) is rotatably mounted on the holder part (HT) by means of at least one rotary joint (DS) in the region of the lower front edge (SK) of the receiving part (AT) in such a way that a net restoring torque (RM2) is applied to the receiving part (AT) in the respective opening position between the final closed position (SP) and the final open position (OP) of the receiving part (AT), said restoring torque (RM2) causing the receiving part (AT) to be automatically tilted back into the final closed position (SP).