Refrigerated Goods Tray and Drawer Layout for Tight Fridge Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-under domestic refrigeration appliances have limited storage capacity due to the restricted space arrangement, which hinders efficient access and storage of refrigerated goods.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated goods tray with a hinged lid is integrated into a receiving trough in the floor of the appliance, allowing for upward removal and insertion, combined with a refrigerated goods drawer on pull-out rails, and a deepened door rack to optimize storage and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the refrigerated goods tray is inserted into the receiving trough in the floor, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the tray cannot be pulled out like a drawer
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerated goods storage system is segmented into two independent access methods: the refrigerated goods tray in the receiving trough can be accessed by removing the cover, while the refrigerated goods drawer can be pulled out on rails. This segmentation allows each component to have its own access mechanism, resolving the contradiction between fixed storage and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover of the refrigerated goods tray acts as an intermediary element that can be removed to access the tray contents. This intermediary provides an alternative access path that doesn't require pulling the tray out, thus maintaining both storage capacity and operational ease.
2Volume of stationary object
If the door rack is deepened to increase storage capacity, then the volume is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the door rack deeper from the front, the design inverts the approach by allowing the refrigerated goods drawer to extend forward when pulled out. This inversion provides additional storage capacity without requiring a permanently deeper door rack structure, thus avoiding increased complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the refrigerated goods drawer is pulled out to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but it blocks access to the receiving trough area
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into separate zones with independent access: the refrigerated goods drawer on pull-out rails for front access, and the refrigerated goods tray in the receiving trough for rear access. This segmentation allows both areas to be accessed independently without mutual interference.
Data Source
AI summary
The refrigerator (1) has a heat-insulated inner container (2) comprising a storage space (5) for storing refrigerated goods. Each boundary wall of the container forms a base part (6c) with an opening plane (8). Refrigerated goods basin is removably inserted into a receiving trough (7). A door leaf (4) for opening and closing the storage space is pivoted with respect to an equipment opening (3) that is extended upwards from the opening plane. The basin comprises a lid (10) to open and close the basin, where the lid is swivelably supported at the basin.