Modular Refrigerator Partition Supports for Flexible Compartment Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional refrigerators have fixed divider panels that limit customization of compartment configurations, increasing manufacturing costs and time to market with inflexible compartment arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A modular refrigerator design featuring elongated support devices with a C-shaped cross section that allow for adjustable and reconfigurable partition walls, enabling customizable compartment arrangements within the cabinet, including horizontal and vertical mounting options, to create multiple compartments with varying access types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed divider panels are used to separate compartments, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability and customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsupport device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into multiple sub-cavities using removable partition walls that can be independently positioned. The elongated support devices are segmented into modular units that can be assembled in different configurations, allowing the cabinet to be divided into various compartment arrangements based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls are made adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. Users can move partition walls between different positions along the elongated support devices, dynamically changing the compartment sizes and configurations to adapt to different storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reconfigurable partitions are added to enable customization, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment arrangement optionsVSAvoidtooling and equipment costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated support devices serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for partition walls, enable adjustable positioning, create sealing surfaces, and allow for various compartment configurations. This multi-functional design reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for easy adjustment of partition positions and compartment volumes without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The standardized elongated support devices with receiving structures enable simple assembly and reconfiguration, reducing tooling costs while providing multiple configuration options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If removable partition walls are implemented for reconfigurability, then the adaptability increases, but the sealing reliability between compartments may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition reconfigurabilityVSAvoidsealing between sub-cavities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sealing members are introduced as intermediary elements between the partition walls and the elongated support devices. These sealing members fill the gaps created by removable partitions and engage with the receiving structures on the support devices, ensuring reliable sealing between adjacent sub-cavities while allowing for reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing members are designed as flexible elements that can deform to accommodate the removable partition walls and maintain continuous sealing. This flexibility allows the sealing system to adapt to different partition positions while preventing leakage between compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If standardized elongated support devices are used across different configurations, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the ability to create unique configurations may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular component productionVSAvoidcustomization options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet interior is segmented into standard modular units defined by the elongated support devices. These standardized modules can be combined in various ways to create different configurations, providing both manufacturing efficiency and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated support devices provide a linear framework along which partition walls can be positioned at multiple locations. This creates a one-dimensional array of possible positions that translates into two-dimensional or three-dimensional compartment configurations, expanding customization options while using standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8845047B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a cabinet having at least one partition wall to separate at least two sub-compartments and an elongated support device having a C-shaped cross section mounted to the cabinet wall and into which a partition wall can be inserted.