Harvest Bin Assembly With Drainage Tray for Drier Food Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator storage systems do not effectively manage residual water on food items, leading to premature ripening and requiring frequent replacement of storage bags or containers, which is wasteful and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator storage module with a harvest bin assembly that includes a slidable housing with a removable bin featuring drainage holes in the bottom wall, allowing water to drain into a drip tray while keeping food items dry, and a pivoting mechanism for easy access and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If food items are stored in bags or containers with residual water, then food items can be stored in the refrigerator, but the residual water causes premature ripening and requires frequent replacement of bags or containers
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into separate functional components: a removable bin for food storage, a fixed housing with drainage structure, and a drip tray for water collection. This segmentation allows the drainage function to be integrated into the storage system while keeping the food container separate and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
A drip tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the storage bin and the refrigerator shelf. The tray collects residual water that drains from the food items, preventing the water from pooling around the storage container and causing premature ripening.
2Reliability
If a fixed storage container is used in the refrigerator, then food items can be stored, but the container is difficult to clean and access
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is designed to be removable from the housing, transforming the storage system from a completely fixed structure to a dynamic one where the food container can be easily inserted and removed. This allows users to access food items and clean the bin without dismantling the entire storage assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into a fixed housing (providing structural support and drainage) and a removable bin (providing food storage). This segmentation enables the bin to be easily removed for cleaning and access while the housing remains in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a slidable housing is used on the door rail, then the harvest bin assembly can be positioned at various locations, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a fully adjustable positioning mechanism with multiple stops or locking positions, the design uses a simple slidable mount that allows the housing to move freely along the door rail. This partial action approach provides positioning flexibility without the complexity of a multi-position locking system.
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 effectively drains residual water from food items, preventing premature ripening and reducing the need for frequent bag replacements by allowing for efficient rinsing and storage within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of holes is formed in the bottom wall for allowing water to pass therethrough but hindering the food items from passing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance includes a compartment and a door having an interior wall and at least one rail attached thereto. A harvest bin assembly is attachable to the at least one rail and includes a housing having a mount for securing the housing to the at least one rail. First pivot elements are disposed on each side of the housing. A removable bin defines a storage space and includes a plurality of holes formed in a bottom wall thereof. Second pivot elements are disposed on a side wall of the removable bin and engage a corresponding first pivot element on the housing. The first pivot elements and the second pivot elements define a pivot axis whereby the removable bin pivots between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A tray engages the bottom wall of the removable bin when the removable bin is in the first, closed position.