Handle-Integrated Ventilation Device for Refrigerator Food Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food-receiving containers for household refrigeration appliances have ventilation devices that are often restricted in movement and operation due to their placement on separate lids, leading to limited accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A food-receiving container design where the ventilation device is integrated onto a handle of the front panel, allowing for easy access and control, improved visibility, and a user-friendly operating concept, with the handle positioned in the upper region of the front panel and featuring a handle recess for secure and protected placement of sub-components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ventilation device is disposed on a separate lid, then the ventilation function is provided, but the movement and operation of the ventilation device are restricted and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ventilation device with the handle of the front panel, integrating two previously separate components. The ventilation device is disposed on the handle such that when the handle is viewed in the vertical direction, the ventilation device is positioned in an upper region of the front panel, allowing both gripping and ventilation actuation through the same component
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides gripping functionality for moving the shell and simultaneously houses the ventilation device for controlling air exchange. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate lid with ventilation device, improving accessibility while reducing structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If the ventilation device is disposed on a separate lid, then the ventilation function is provided, but visibility and user-friendly operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation device is positioned in the upper region of the front panel where visibility is optimal for users. The handle serves as a localized integration point that places the ventilation control in the user's direct line of sight while maintaining ergonomic gripping position
3Reliability
If the ventilation device is disposed on a separate lid, then the ventilation function is provided, but the device is vulnerable to damage during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation device is integrated into the handle of the front panel, which is a robust structural component. This integration protects the ventilation device from damage during insertion and removal operations, as the handle provides structural support and positioning within the receiving space
Data Source
AI summary
A food-receiving container for a household refrigeration appliance includes a shell for receiving food and a ventilation device for carrying out an air exchange between the surroundings and the interior of the food-receiving container. The shell has a front panel on which a handle is disposed. The handle is disposed in an upper region of the front panel, when viewed in the vertical direction of the food-receiving container. The ventilation device is disposed on the handle. A household refrigeration appliance having the food-receiving container is also provided.