Magnetic Adjustable Shelf Assembly for Continuous Height Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators require users to remove and re-slot shelves to adjust their height, which is inconvenient and limits flexibility in compartmentalizing space.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable shelving assembly featuring support rails with geared racks and an actuating mechanism using permanent magnets and ferromagnetic disks to lock or unlock shelves, allowing for easy height adjustment without removing items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shelves are installed in fixed slots on the inner cabin of the refrigerator, then the shelves can be securely positioned at specific heights, but the user cannot adjust the shelf height to any desired location and must remove shelves and stored entities to re-slot them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf height adjustabilityVSAvoidconvenience of shelf adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf positioning system transitions from static fixed slots to a dynamic continuous adjustment mechanism. The geared rack and pinion assembly enable the shelf to be moved to any height position along the support rail, allowing dynamic adaptation to different storage needs without being constrained to predetermined slot locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of removing shelves and stored entities to re-slot them is replaced by a geared rack and pinion mechanical system. This system provides controlled movement and positioning through gear engagement, eliminating the need to completely remove the shelf from its support structure for height adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional slot-based shelf adjustment is used, then shelves can be positioned at predefined heights, but the user must remove stored entities and the adjustment process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of shelf adjustmentVSAvoidtime required for shelf adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf adjustment mechanism is pre-configured with the geared rack and pinion system, allowing the user to simply rotate the pinion to initiate movement. The shelf can then be smoothly moved to the desired position without requiring the user to perform preliminary actions such as removing stored entities or disassembling the shelf structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf adjustment system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The geared rack and pinion mechanism allows the shelf to adjust its own position through simple rotational input, without requiring external assistance or the removal of stored items. The system serves itself by providing direct control over shelf positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed slot positions are provided for shelves, then the shelf structure can be simple and robust, but the refrigerator compartment cannot be efficiently compartmentalized for different storage needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartmentalization flexibilityVSAvoidshelf adjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The geared rack and pinion mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides continuous height adjustment, maintains shelf stability during movement, enables precise positioning, and works with the support rail structure. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to adjust shelf height effortlessly and position shelves at any desired location, enhancing versatility and convenience in storage units.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of permanent magnets mounted coaxially inside the pinion, ferromagnetic disks provided on either ends of the pinion, and a shaft placed axially in the pinion, connecting the permanent magnets, such that the permanent magnets magnetizes or demagnetizes the ferromagnetic disks when the shaft is rotated for locking or unlocking the at least one shelf

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

ferromagnetic disks provided on either ends of the pinion, such that the permanent magnets magnetizes or demagnetizes the ferromagnetic disks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20150250308A1Adjustable shelving assembly and the method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.09.10 WIPRO LTD

AI summary

An adjustable shelving assembly includes at least two support rails, at least one geared rack provided in each of the at least two support rails, and an actuating mechanism placed adjacent to the at least one geared rack. The actuating mechanism is configured to support at least one shelf and facilitates movement of the at least one shelf along the at least two support rails. The actuating mechanism includes a pinion mating with the at least one geared rack, a plurality of permanent magnets mounted coaxially inside the pinion, ferromagnetic disks provided on either ends of the pinion, and a shaft placed axially in the pinion, connecting the permanent magnets. The permanent magnets magnetize or demagnetize the ferromagnetic disks when the shaft is rotated for locking or unlocking the at least one shelf.