Cooling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional domestic refrigerators face challenges in accommodating and accessing crates of beverages due to limited space and the need for uncomfortable and risky manual handling, as well as potential damage to the pull-out door during loading.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shelf mechanism connected to the pull-out door, utilizing a telescopic extension and a spring element for easy height adjustment, allowing the shelf to be raised for convenient loading and unloading of crates, with a gas pressure spring for adjustable force and a locking mechanism to prevent unintentional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shelf is positioned at a low height to accommodate the crate, then the storage space is maximized, but the user must exert excessive effort and risk injury during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is made height-adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to different levels. The gas pressure spring provides dynamic support force that compensates for the shelf weight, enabling smooth height adjustment without excessive user effort while maximizing storage space when lowered.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas pressure spring is introduced as a counterweight mechanism to support the shelf and compensate for its weight. The spring is pre-charged to provide lifting force equal to the shelf weight, allowing the user to easily adjust the shelf height without exerting excessive force against gravity.
2Ease of operation
If the shelf is raised to facilitate crate loading, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of unintentional movement and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is provided that can be activated before the user loads the crate. The lock engages with the shelf at its adjusted height position, preventing any unintentional movement during the loading process. This preliminary locking action ensures stability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shelf structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different loading scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, height-adjustable mechanism. A simple guide rail system provides the structural framework, while gas pressure springs and a basic locking mechanism enable adaptability. This dynamic design allows the shelf to accommodate different crate weights and sizes without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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
Reduces user effort and risk of accidents during loading, prevents damage to the pull-out door, and facilitates easy access to crates by allowing sliding or sideways placement onto the shelf, enhancing the usability and safety of the refrigeration appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element for loading the shelf into a raised position is provided according to the invention. Such a spring element is tensioned by lowering the shelf after loading a crate, and the energy stored by the tension can be used at a later point in time in order to raise the crate again
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A refrigerator has a body (1) and a moveable pull-out door (7) which delimit a storage compartment (3). Connected to the pull-out door (7) is a height-adjustable shelf (9) for refrigerated goods, which can hold a crate of drinks (10).