Modular Refrigerator Door Bin System for Reconfigurable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator door storage systems offer limited adjustability and reconfiguration options, restricting customization and flexibility in storage arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable storage compartment system for refrigerator doors, featuring modular components with engagement members and mounting members that allow for removable and adjustable storage compartments, utilizing insulation-filled mounting members for secure attachment to the door liner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bins are fully removed or removeably coupled to the door by way of interengaging features, then the bins can be detached and repositioned, but only limited adjustability or reconfiguration of the storage is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular bins that can be independently mounted or removed. Each bin is a separate unit with its own mounting features, allowing individual repositioning without moving other bins. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration while keeping each component simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting members are designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple bin positions and configurations. The interengaging features between mounting members and bins are standardized, allowing the same mounting structure to support various bin types and positions, thereby providing multiple functions from a single mounting system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bins are removeably coupled to the door, then the bins can be detached, but secure attachment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The interengaging features allow the bins to be securely attached when needed and easily removed when reconfiguration is required. The mounting members can shift between engaged and disengaged states, providing both security and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting members serve as intermediary components between the door and the bins. These intermediaries provide the connection interface that balances security and removability. The mounting members with their specific interengaging features act as mediators that securely hold bins in place during use but allow for controlled detachment when needed.
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 and adaptable storage configurations on the refrigerator door, enhancing usability and flexibility while maintaining secure attachment and insulation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An insulation material is disposed within the inner cavity of the door and at least partially fills each hollow interior portion of each base portion of the plurality of mounting members.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a housing defining an interior compartment with an open side and a door rotatably coupled with the housing and selectively closing at least a portion of the open side. The door includes a door liner having a plurality of mounting members mounted thereto. The mounting members are foamed-in place by an interconnection with an insulation material provided in an inner cavity of the door. The mounting members further include mounting plates extending outwardly from an outer surface of the door liner. The refrigerator further includes a storage compartment system comprised of multiple interconnecting modules that are removeably mounted to the mounting plates of the mounting members. The interconnecting modules can be reconfigured to provide multiple arrangements of storage compartments supported on the door.