Low-Profile Side-by-Side Refrigerator for Wheelchair Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with physical disabilities, such as the elderly or those in wheelchairs, face difficulties accessing items on higher or rear shelves of standard refrigerators, requiring assistance and reducing their independence.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile refrigerator/freezer design with a housing height of less than 38 inches, side-by-side compartments, and operator controls within reach, featuring hinged doors, caster wheels with brakes, and a refrigeration subsystem that includes mechanical or solid-state cooling, allowing easy access and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard-height refrigerator is used, then storage capacity is adequate, but wheelchair-bound users cannot access items on higher shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator height parameter is changed from standard height (typically 60-70 inches) to a reduced height of 38 inches or less, making the interior accessible to wheelchair users while maintaining adequate storage capacity through optimized compartment design
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerator height is reduced to 38 inches or less, then wheelchair accessibility is improved, but door clearance space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator transitions from a traditional vertical stacking arrangement to a side-by-side horizontal arrangement of refrigerator and freezer compartments, allowing wheelchair users to access both compartments at the same height level without requiring vertical clearance
3Ease of operation
If operator controls are positioned for standard reach, then control functionality is adequate, but wheelchair-bound users cannot reach them
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical position parameter of operator controls is changed from standard height (typically 48-60 inches from floor) to a lowered position within reach of wheelchair users (typically 30-42 inches from floor), while maintaining all standard control functions
4Stability of the object's composition
If the refrigerator is made stationary for stability, then operational stability is improved, but relocation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator incorporates caster wheels with brakes, allowing it to be mobile when needed for relocation while providing stability when the brakes are engaged during normal operation, thus combining both mobility and stability requirements
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
Enables wheelchair-bound users to independently access and manage food and beverages, enhancing their independence and safety by providing easy relocation and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical refrigeration may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator operating as a closed-loop system.
Implementation Method 2
The solid state refrigeration may include one or more thermoelectric coolers that utilize a Peltier effect to create heat and cold.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a low-profile refrigerator/freezer. The refrigerator/freezer may comprise a housing, a refrigerator door, a freezer door, divider walls, operator controls, and a refrigeration subsystem. The refrigerator/freezer may be adapted for use by a wheelchair-bound user. The housing may be less than or equal to 38 inches high, less than or equal to 42 inches wide, and less than or equal to 18 inches deep such that the wheelchair-bound user may be able to reach an interior space of the refrigerator/freezer from a wheelchair. A refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment may be side-by-side such that the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment provide the same visibility. The operator controls may be placed within reach of the wheelchair-bound user. The refrigerator/freezer may be mounted on a plurality of caster wheels. Two front wheels may comprise brakes for safety.