Refrigerator Door Rack and Trough Layout for Space and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-under domestic refrigeration appliances have limited storage capacity due to the restricted space for refrigerated goods, and existing designs often compromise accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A domestic refrigeration appliance with a heat-insulated inner container featuring a receiving trough for a removably inserted refrigerated goods tray and a pivotable door leaf, along with a deep door rack and adjustable shelves, optimizing space usage by allowing for increased storage capacity and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerated goods drawer depth is reduced to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the door rack depth to compensate for the reduced horizontal depth of the refrigerated goods drawer. The door rack depth is increased to at least approximately twice the usual depth, allowing storage in the previously unused deep space behind the drawer, thereby maintaining total storage capacity while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage space is segmented into two independent zones: a shallow refrigerated goods drawer for frequently accessed items and a deep door rack for less frequently accessed items. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function - the drawer for easy access and the door rack for maximum storage utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If the door rack depth is increased to compensate for lost storage volume, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door rack is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the primary door storage structure and simultaneously compensates for the storage capacity lost by reducing the refrigerated goods drawer depth. The increased depth door rack becomes a multi-functional element that addresses both accessibility and storage capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the door rack with the door leaf structure, integrating the deep storage function directly into the door assembly. This integration allows the door rack to utilize the door's structural support while providing extended storage depth, avoiding the need for separate complex support structures.
3Quantity of substance
If the receiving trough depth is increased to maximize space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility to goods in the trough is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two access levels: the receiving trough at the bottom for maximum depth utilization and the door rack at the upper level for easier accessibility. This segmentation allows goods to be distributed between the two zones based on access frequency, with frequently accessed items in the door rack and less frequently accessed items in the deeper receiving trough.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional deep storage solution (receiving trough only) to a two-dimensional storage system combining the bottom receiving trough with the upper door rack. This vertical stacking of storage zones maximizes space utilization while providing multiple access points at different heights.
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
Enhances storage capacity by allowing for double the storage of bottles in the door rack and improved ergonomic access to refrigerated goods, optimizing the spatial use of limited appliance space while maintaining efficient cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-insulated inner container with boundary walls of a storage space for refrigerated goods
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device for cooling the storage space and the refrigerated goods
Data Source
AI summary
The household refrigerator has a heat insulated inner container (1) provided with the boundary walls of a storage space that is provided for the refrigerated goods. The boundary wall has a base (6c) with an aperture plane (8), where a receiving trough (7) is embedded into the aperture plane. A door rack (18) has a depth corresponding to the depth of the receiving trough or a refrigerated goods cup.