Adjustable Refrigerator Shelf Terminals for Stable Power Contact
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators face challenges in reliably powering electronic devices, such as lighting, on adjustable shelves due to risks of disconnection, damage, and moisture exposure, which can lead to defective power supply structures and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a shelf terminal unit and holder terminal unit with elastic pins and a water-draining structure that maintains a stable electrical connection, protects against moisture, and allows for easy removal of defective components without disassembling the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shelf assembly with electronic device is attached to the shelf holder, then the electronic device can be powered and positioned adjustably, but the electrical connection may become disconnected or damaged due to physical impact or moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed as a movable component that can move in the vertical direction within the terminal unit. This dynamic structure allows the pin to automatically adjust its position to maintain contact with the holder-side terminal despite variations in shelf position or external impacts, thereby maintaining reliable electrical connection while supporting adjustable shelf functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component changes the physical state of the pin by providing restoring force that moves the pin between different positions. This parameter change (position of the pin) enables the electrical connection to adapt to different conditions such as moisture exposure or physical impact while maintaining contact reliability
2Ease of repair
If the shelf assembly is made detachable for easy removal, then maintenance becomes easier, but the electrical connection may become disconnected or loose
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pin structure allows the shelf assembly to be easily detached by simple vertical movement, yet maintains reliable electrical connection during attached operation. The pin automatically engages with the holder-side terminal upon attachment and disengages cleanly upon detachment, providing both ease of repair and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component provides self-adjusting restoring force that automatically maintains the pin in contact with the holder-side terminal. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable electrical connection without requiring additional fastening operations or complex locking mechanisms, facilitating easy shelf removal while maintaining connection stability
3Reliability
If the electrical connection structure is made complex to ensure stable power supply, then power supply reliability improves, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal unit is segmented into distinct functional components: the pin for electrical connection, the elastic component for maintaining contact force, and the water-draining structure for moisture protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply and reliably, achieving stable power supply without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component acts as an intermediary between the pin and the shelf assembly, providing the restoring force needed to maintain reliable electrical contact. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall structure by using a simple elastic element rather than complex spring mechanisms or adjustable fastening systems
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the terminal unit is designed to be sealed against moisture, then protection against moisture improves, but the ease of assembly and disassembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal unit incorporates a dedicated water-draining structure that segments the protection function from the connection function. The draining structure provides moisture protection through simple geometric features that facilitate water drainage, while the pin and elastic component handle the connection function, maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal unit housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides moisture protection while allowing the pin to move freely for connection and disconnection. The housing design incorporates water drainage pathways that do not interfere with the mechanical operation of the pin, achieving both protection and ease of operation
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 ensures reliable and stable power supply to electronic devices on adjustable shelves, prevents damage from physical impact and moisture, and facilitates maintenance by maintaining a stable electric contact and easy replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic component coupled to the at least one pin and configured to, in a state in which the shelf assembly is attached to the shelf holder, exert a restoring force on the at least one pin in a direction towards the at least one holder-side terminal of the holder terminal unit
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a shelf holder having holes along a vertical direction on a wall of a food storage chamber, and a shelf assembly attachable to the shelf holder via at least one of the holes. The refrigerator also includes an electronic device provided on the shelf assembly; a holder terminal unit provided between the shelf holder and the wall and having a holder-side terminal facing at least one of the holes; and a shelf terminal unit provided at a side of the shelf assembly that is configured to attach to the shelf holder. The shelf terminal unit has a pin configured to be inserted into and electrically connect with the holder-side terminal in a state in which the shelf assembly is attached to the shelf holder. The pin is electrically connected to the electronic device of the shelf assembly, and is longitudinally movable relative to the shelf terminal unit.