Locker assembly and associated insert assembly for a cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locker assemblies either consist of independent self-contained boxes or drawers within a refrigerator cabinet, which do not efficiently utilize space or allow for flexible configuration, and there is a need for a solution that can transform a pre-existing cabinet into a locker assembly with ease of transportation and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A locker assembly insert comprising a door frame, doors, and dividers that can be assembled into a pre-existing cabinet, allowing for a matrix of locker spaces with shared dividers and airflow passages to maintain cooling efficiency, and can be easily disassembled and reassembled without altering the cabinet's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent self-contained boxes or drawers are used within a refrigerator cabinet, then each locker is self-contained and can operate independently, but space utilization is inefficient and configuration flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent lockers share common dividers (walls) between them, merging structural elements to reduce total material usage and improve space utilization. The dividers serve multiple lockers simultaneously rather than each locker having completely independent walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The locker assembly insert can be installed in pre-existing cabinets of various sizes and configurations, making a single design universally applicable. The modular nature allows the same basic structure to adapt to different cabinet dimensions while maintaining functional flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If a locker assembly is designed as a complete unit, then it provides full functionality, but transportation and installation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locker assembly is divided into separate modular components including individual lockers, dividers, and door assemblies that can be transported separately and assembled on-site within the cabinet. This segmentation makes transportation easier while maintaining the ability to form a complete functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular locker components are designed to nest within each other or fit together in a compact manner for transportation, then expand to form the complete locker assembly when installed in the cabinet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent lockers are created within a cabinet, then individual access is enabled, but the cabinet's cooling operation may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The divider walls between lockers include airflow passages that allow cooling air to move between compartments. This ensures that while individual lockers can be accessed separately, the cooling system maintains its integrity and air circulation is not blocked by the partitioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A locker assembly insert 10 for a cabinet 11. The cabinet 11 is a two door cabinet having a first door 12 and a second door 13. A central mullion 19 having a rear cover plate divides the cabinet 11 down the middle and the doors 12 and 13 close the cabinet. The locker assembly insert 10 in this case is applied to a two door cabinet and has a central support member 20 (which is put in place by first removing the rear cover plate behind the central mullion 19, the rear cover plate is tucked in behind the central support member 20 before assembly allowing it to be reused if the refrigerator is ever restored to its original condition). The insert is completed using vertical divider sets 27, 28 and 29 and ten door locker door assemblies 30 and 31.