Refrigerator Pull-Out Tray Grip Structure for Easier Low-Level Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pull-out trays for refrigeration devices require users to bend down or adopt unnatural hand positions to handle them, regardless of their installation height, as the undercut recess is typically located at the top, limiting the ease of use and tensile force exertion.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out tray design featuring a first gripping zone on the outside with an undercut recess in the upper area and a second grip zone on the inside, accessible from above, reduces the need for bending and allows for greater pulling force, especially when the tray is positioned low, with a base body and a bar forming the front panel, where the bar includes a vertical web and leg for increased rigidity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the undercut recess is located in the upper area of the front panel, then the tray can be pulled out, but the user must bend down or adopt unnatural hand positions, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is segmented into two distinct gripping zones: a first gripping zone in the upper area with an undercut recess, and a second gripping zone in the lower area without undercut. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate grip zone based on the tray's installation height and load, improving ease of operation without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the front panel are assigned different functional qualities: the upper area provides a first gripping zone suitable for heavily loaded trays, while the lower area provides a second gripping zone suitable for lightly loaded trays. This local differentiation optimizes handling comfort for various usage scenarios without increasing overall structural complexity.
2Force
If the undercut recess is used for gripping, then tensile force can be exerted, but the user's hand position is restricted and pulling force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is segmented into two zones with different mechanical characteristics. The first gripping zone in the upper area utilizes the undercut recess for secure engagement when high tensile force is needed, while the second gripping zone in the lower area allows more flexible hand positioning for lighter pulling tasks, thereby increasing hand position flexibility.
3Strength
If the front panel is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simple, but the tensile strength and rigidity are insufficient for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is divided into a base body and a separately attachable strip containing the gripping zones. This segmentation allows the strip to be optimized for strength and rigidity with features like the vertical web and protruding leg, while the base body can be manufactured separately using simple injection molding, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required tensile strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel combines two different components (base body and strip) that can be made from materials optimized for their specific functions. The strip can be made from a material with higher tensile strength and rigidity requirements, while the base body uses standard injection-molded plastic, creating a composite structure that achieves superior overall strength without complicating the manufacturing of individual components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the bar is made with minimal material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the rigidity and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bar incorporates a vertical web and a protruding leg that extend into the interior of the shell, creating a geometric configuration that significantly increases rigidity and stability. This curved and extended structure provides enhanced structural support with minimal material expenditure, maintaining manufacturing cost-effectiveness while achieving the required structural stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A pull-out tray for a refrigerator has a front panel (3) on the outside of which a first grip zone (14) is formed in an undercut recess (13) in its upper area and a second grip zone (15) is formed on its inside.