Refrigerator Door Shelf Supports With Biased Arms for Easy Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelving and bin systems lack ease of attachment and flexible positioning, often requiring complex assembly and alignment procedures.
Innovation Solution
A support element with laterally biased support arms that pivotally engage vertically oriented channels in the refrigerator door liner, allowing for easy attachment and customizable positioning without the need for specific assembly order or alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shelving arrangements with discrete positioning holes and threaded fasteners are used, then shelves can be secured at selected heights, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into a support surface and laterally spaced support arms that can independently engage with the liner channels, allowing simplified attachment without complex alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are made laterally biased and movable, enabling them to flex during attachment and automatically engage with the channels at any vertical position, eliminating the need for precise alignment with discrete holes
2Manufacturing precision
If bins must be assembled in a specific order and slid downward into place, then proper positioning is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The laterally biased support arms can be manually positioned at any vertical location along the channels and will remain securely engaged, allowing bins to be installed in any order without sliding or sequential assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position of support elements can be continuously adjusted along the channels rather than being constrained to discrete positions, providing flexible positioning without complex assembly procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertically oriented channels are used in the liner, then flexible positioning is enabled, but the support element requires additional lateral biasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The laterally biased support arms automatically engage with the channels when the support element is vertically positioned, with the bias providing self-centering and secure engagement without additional fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms combine multiple functions: lateral engagement with the channels, vertical positioning capability, and load-bearing support, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening mechanisms
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
Enables easy attachment and flexible positioning of shelves and bins, providing secure and customizable storage solutions within the refrigerator, preventing slipping and dislodging while allowing for user-adjustable placement.
Implementation Method 1
the support arms extending rearwardly of the rear edge and being laterally biased
Implementation Method 2
the separate biasing element may comprise a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A support element for use with a refrigerator, the support element having a support surface with a rear edge, at least two support arms located on the support element and being laterally spaced from one another, with the support arms extending rearwardly of the rear edge and being laterally biased.