Refrigerator Storage Divider With Magnetic Retention and Rail Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliance storage systems lack efficient organization and retention mechanisms for varying food items of different sizes and shapes within refrigerators and similar appliances, leading to disorganization and movement during storage.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly featuring a divider with upper and lower retaining members and magnets that engage a metallic base, allowing for flexible positioning and retention of food items through grooves of varying dimensions, and a rail assembly for movement, enhancing organization and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a storage system uses fixed rigid dividers, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different food item sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is designed with movable components that can adjust their position dynamically. The rail assembly allows the divider to move along tracks, while the magnet assembly provides adjustable magnetic retention points. This dynamic configuration enables the storage system to adapt to different food item sizes and shapes while maintaining structural stability through the rail constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider is segmented into multiple functional components: upper retaining members with grooves, lower retaining members, connecting members, rail assemblies, and magnet assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide both stability and adaptability for various food storage needs.
2Force
If magnets are embedded within the lower retaining member, then the magnetic engagement strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnets are nested within recesses formed in the lower retaining member. This nesting approach allows the magnets to be integrated into the divider structure during manufacturing while maintaining easy access for installation and removal. The recesses provide precise positioning and secure retention of the magnets without requiring complex external mounting mechanisms.
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 provides flexible organization and retention of food items of different sizes and shapes, reducing movement during storage and allowing for various arrangements within the appliance, while the magnetic engagement keeps the divider in place without relying on the walls, and the rail assembly facilitates easy access.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is coupled to the lower retaining member and selectively engages the base of the storage feature
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance storage assembly includes a storage feature that includes a base and a plurality of walls that extend from the base. The base and the plurality of walls define a storage cavity. A rail assembly includes a rail and a rail slide. The rail slide is coupled to the storage feature and enables the storage feature to move along a length of the rail. A divider includes an upper retaining member and a lower retaining member spaced-apart from one another by at least one connecting member. The upper retaining member defines upper grooves and the lower retaining member defines corresponding lower grooves. A magnet is coupled to the lower retaining member and selectively engages the base of the storage feature.