Modular Wire Shelving for Horizontal and Vertical Refrigerator Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerator shelving systems lack flexibility and optimal utilization of vertical space, limiting the ability to efficiently store food items of varying sizes and types while maintaining temperature consistency.

Innovation Solution

A modular shelving system with wire shelves that can be configured in multiple positions, allowing horizontal and vertical orientations to accommodate different food items, with support rails and wires that engage shelving supports to provide stable and adjustable storage solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed shelving systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but storage flexibility and vertical space utilization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidshelving system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving system is divided into modular components including support rails, wire shelves, and engagement mechanisms that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different storage needs while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shelving system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Support rails and wire shelves can be moved between different vertical positions and orientations (horizontal/vertical), enabling the system to adapt to varying storage requirements without requiring a complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If traditional horizontal shelving only is used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but vertical space utilization is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical space utilizationVSAvoidshelving configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates both horizontal and vertical shelving orientations, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. Wire shelves can be positioned vertically to create additional storage layers within the same footprint, maximizing vertical space utilization while maintaining ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support rails and wire shelves serve multiple functions: they can be positioned at different vertical levels, oriented horizontally or vertically, and configured to accommodate various food item sizes and types. This multi-functionality maximizes space utilization without significantly complicating the shelving configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed shelving positions are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different food items is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood item accommodationVSAvoidshelving stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving system provides pre-configured support structures and engagement mechanisms that ensure stable positioning when shelves are installed. The support rails include features that facilitate easy engagement and disengagement while maintaining reliability during normal use, allowing users to confidently reconfigure shelves for different food items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support rails act as intermediaries between the refrigerator walls and the wire shelves, providing a reliable connection mechanism. These rails include engagement features that ensure stable shelf positioning while allowing for easy adjustment, thus maintaining both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Quantity of substance

If maximum vertical space is utilized with multiple shelves, then storage capacity increases, but temperature consistency becomes harder to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidtemperature consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The wire shelf construction with horizontal and vertical wires creates a flexible, grid-like structure that allows for optimal air circulation patterns. This design facilitates uniform temperature distribution across multiple shelves while maximizing storage capacity, as the wire configuration does not obstruct refrigerant flow or air circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11480386B2Refrigerator and shelving system for a refrigerator

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A refrigerator shelving system includes first and second wire shelves. At least one of the first and second wire shelves is removably connected to a least one shelf support configured on a refrigerator liner. One of the first and second wire shelves is configured to be positioned horizontally and the other of the first and second wire shelves is configured to be positioned at least partially vertically such that a food item can be supported by both the first and second wire shelves.