Modular Refrigerator Mounting Slots for Interchangeable Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerating appliance fixing systems lack a universal and modular solution that allows for easy interchangeability and secure attachment of various components, such as shelves and compartments, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of debris removal.
Innovation Solution
A modular component fixing system with angular recesses and supporting flanges that match the geometry of modular attachment slots, enabling removability and interchangeability of components, and incorporating downwardly angled channels for debris evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a universal modular fixing system with angular recesses and supporting flanges is implemented, then interchangeability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise geometric matching between components
Solution Approach 1:
The angular recess geometry is designed to universally accommodate multiple types of modular components (shelves, compartments, bins) through a single standardized interface. The supporting flange with matching angular profile serves as a universal attachment mechanism across different component types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is segmented into two independent but complementary parts: the angular recess formed by upturned flanges in the liner, and the supporting flange on the modular component. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while maintaining precise geometric compatibility for easy assembly and interchangeability.
2Ease of repair
If downturned channels are added to the angular recess for debris evacuation, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The debris evacuation function is merged into the existing angular recess structure by incorporating downturned channels as integral features of the recess geometry. This combines the attachment function (angular recess) and the debris evacuation function (downturned channels) into a single unified structural element, avoiding the need for separate debris removal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The downturned channels utilize gravity to enable self-service debris evacuation. Debris naturally flows downward through the channels without requiring active mechanical intervention, motors, or complex cleaning mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of maintenance while minimizing added complexity.
3Strength
If multiple upturned flanges are used to form the angular recess, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each upturned flange is designed with specific local geometric qualities (angle, height, thickness) that collectively form the angular recess. The precise angular geometry is concentrated at the critical interface region where the supporting flange engages, while other portions of the flanges can have more relaxed tolerances, allowing localized precision where needed without requiring high precision throughout the entire component.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular component fixing system for an appliance including a refrigerating appliance having an inner liner defining a plurality of modular attachment slots, each having an upturned flange defining an angular recess. Each modular attachment slots includes a downwardly angled channel in communication with the angular recess. Each of a plurality of modular components includes an abutment surface and a supporting flange extending from the abutment surface at a predetermined angle, the predetermined angle of the supporting flange being substantially similar to a recess angle define by the angular recess, wherein each modular component is configured to be removably engaged with any one of the plurality of modular attachment slots by inserting the supporting flange into a corresponding angular recess of the one of the plurality of modular attachment slots such that the abutment surface is substantially flush with an interior surface of the inner liner.