Injection-Molded Refrigerator Shelf Frame Without Adhesives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerator shelf production is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for adhesives or mechanical fastening mechanisms, which also makes the shelves less robust.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator shelf design featuring a glass plate encapsulated by a single integral injection-molded plastic frame, with a front trim and reinforcement bars that eliminate the need for adhesives and mechanical fasteners, enhancing strength and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesives or mechanical fastening mechanisms are used to secure glass to frame, then the shelf can be assembled, but production time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame and glass plate into a single integrated unit through injection molding, where the frame is molded directly over the glass plate. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive application and curing steps, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and production time by merging two components into one manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding (chemical mechanism) and mechanical fastening (mechanical system) with an injection molding process that creates a unified structure. The frame is molded directly onto the glass plate, substituting complex assembly mechanisms with a single-step thermal forming process, thereby eliminating curing time while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesives or mechanical fastening mechanisms are used to secure glass to frame, then the shelf can be assembled, but the shelf becomes less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame and glass plate into a monolithic structure through injection molding, creating a unified component with no weak joints. This integrated structure eliminates the failure points that would exist at adhesive bonds or mechanical fastener interfaces, thereby maximizing shelf robustness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a refrigerated compartment and a door that selectively seals the refrigerated compartment. A shelf is mounted in the refrigerated compartment. The shelf includes a plate and a frame encapsulating the plate. A front trim is coupled to a front portion of the frame. The front trim includes a front face that is flush with the frame.