Glass Refrigerator Shelf Edge Molding for Secure Plastic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelves with prefabricated plastic strips for glass plates face issues with poor adhesion and require additional assembly steps, such as gluing or grinding, which complicate the manufacturing process and stability of the shelves.
Innovation Solution
Injection molding a single plastic strip onto the lateral edge regions of the glass plate, creating a secure and aesthetically pleasing attachment that eliminates the need for separate strips and additional assembly steps, with the plastic strip 'clawing' onto the glass due to thermal contraction differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prefabricated plastic strips are attached to glass plates, then the glass plates can be gripped better and the interior is protected from damage, but the adhesion is poor and additional assembly steps (gluing or grinding) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic strip and glass plate are merged into a single integrated component through co-injection molding. The plastic strip is molded directly onto the glass plate in one manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps such as gluing or mechanical fastening. This combining of components resolves the contradiction by maintaining the protective and gripping functions while eliminating complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic strip is pre-formed with attachment features (such as grooves or protrusions) during the injection molding process itself, before the final assembly. This preliminary formation of the attachment structure ensures strong adhesion is built into the component design, eliminating the need for additional field assembly steps and resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If prefabricated plastic strips are attached to glass plates, then the edges are protected, but additional work steps (gluing or groove grinding) are required for assembly and fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plastic strip and the glass plate are combined into a single molded component. The injection molding process directly forms the plastic strip attached to the glass plate in one operation, eliminating the need for separate protective strip attachment steps. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining edge protection functionality while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency through process integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the plastic strip, attaches it to the glass plate, creates the protective edge coverage, and forms the attachment features all in one operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive edge protection while eliminating multiple sequential manufacturing steps, thereby improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single plastic strip is injection molded onto lateral edge regions, then manufacturing is simplified and adhesion is improved, but the glass plate is not completely encapsulated
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic strip is applied selectively to the lateral edge regions of the glass plate rather than completely encapsulating it. This local application focuses the protective and attachment functions where they are most needed (at the edges prone to damage and handling), while leaving the center of the glass plate exposed. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient attachment stability through targeted local reinforcement while maintaining simplified manufacturing.
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
This method provides a strong, well-adhered plastic strip that simplifies manufacturing, enhances shelf stability, and eliminates the need for ground-in grooves or gluing, while maintaining an attractive appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The plastic strip sits firmly under pretension at the respective edge area. This is due to the fact that the plastic contracts slightly when it solidifies or cools down.
Implementation Method 2
The glass, on the other hand, shrinks only a little after injection molding, which means that a tension between the glass and the plastic is possible, which holds the plastic strip on the lateral edge area of the glass plate.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance, especially a refrigerator, comprising an interior space for storing products to be refrigerated, said interior being accessible via a door and at least one shelf (10) for placing products to be refrigerated inserted in said interior. The shelf (10) is produced of a glass plate (11), plastic strips (12, 14) being injected onto one or more edge sections (2, 4) of the glass plate (11) in such a manner that they sit tightly on the respective edge section (2, 4) in a pre-stressed manner.