Modular Pantry Compartment Layout for Flexible Refrigerator Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Kitchen refrigeration appliances often lack flexible and efficient pantry compartment configurations, limiting storage options and temperature control within the existing compartmental structures.

Innovation Solution

A modular pantry compartment system that includes a center vertical mullion and side adapters, allowing for the division of the pantry compartment into sub-compartments with independent temperature control, and the option to convert between full-width and sub-compartment configurations, while maintaining a hermetically sealed insulating cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pantry compartment is divided into sub-compartments with a center vertical mullion, then storage flexibility and temperature control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pantry compartment is divided into multiple sub-compartments using a center vertical mullion and side adapters, allowing independent temperature control and customized storage zones. This segmentation enables different storage conditions (e.g., chilled vs. frozen) within the same pantry space, directly improving storage flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mullion system is designed to be selectively removable, allowing the pantry configuration to change between divided and undivided states. This dynamic capability enables users to adapt the storage layout based on needs, improving versatility without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If the pantry compartment is divided into sub-compartments, then independent temperature control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mullion assembly is provided as a separate, pre-manufactured module that can be installed independently within the pantry compartment. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce the temperature control components separately, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling independent temperature control in each sub-compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mullion acts as an intermediary structure that separates thermal zones while allowing for controlled thermal communication. The mullion includes features like thermal breaks or insulated sections that mediate heat transfer between sub-compartments, enabling independent temperature control without requiring complete thermal isolation, thus reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mullion is selectively removable, then adaptability is improved, but reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mullion is designed with selective removability through engagement features that allow easy installation and removal while maintaining a reliable seal when engaged. The engagement features (e.g., clips, slots, or magnetic attachments) provide a secure connection that ensures thermal sealing reliability during normal operation, while still allowing users to remove the mullion when configuration flexibility is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 customizable pantry storage configurations and independent temperature control for each sub-compartment, enhancing storage efficiency and flexibility within refrigeration appliances without compromising the sealed insulation.

Implementation Method 1

An insulating material is disposed within the insulating cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The pantry compartment is in thermal communication with at least one of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10006693B2Appliance modular system for incorporating a pantry compartment within an appliance

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A refrigerating appliance includes an interior volume divided by a medial wall into refrigerating and freezing compartments. A horizontal false mullion extends through one of the compartments, parallel with the medial wall to define a pantry compartment in thermal communication with at least one of the refrigerating and freezing compartments. A center vertical mullion is removably engaged with the medial wall and divides the pantry compartment into first and second pantry sub compartments. First and second outer drawer glides are positioned on the cabinet structure within the pantry compartment and opposite first and second inner drawer glides of the center vertical mullion. The first inner and first outer drawer glides partially define the first pantry sub compartment. The second inner and second outer drawer glides partially define the second pantry sub compartment. First and second pantry drawers are slidably engaged with first and second pantry sub compartments, respectively.