Motor-Driven Refrigerator Drawer for Preset-Speed Freezer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs, particularly bottom freezer types, face challenges in user convenience due to the need for users to stoop and pull the freezer compartment door, which can be physically demanding for children, the elderly, and smaller users, and result in inefficient automated opening systems that require a handle and compromise insulation and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drawer movement apparatus with a drive motor and pinion system that automatically moves the storage box by rotating gears, eliminating the need for a handle and allowing controlled, preset speed movement, while maintaining insulation and space efficiency by integrating the motor within the compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle is provided for manual pulling of the freezer compartment door, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and space usage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect when a user intends to open the drawer and automatically activates the motor to move the drawer, eliminating the need for manual handling of handles or knobs. The system serves itself by detecting user intent and executing the opening/closing action automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle-pulling system with an automated motor-driven system. Instead of requiring users to mechanically pull the door via a handle, a motor receives electrical signals and automatically moves the drawer through a mechanical transmission system, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electromechanical operation.
2Ease of operation
If a handle is provided for manual pulling of the freezer compartment door, then ease of operation is improved, but insulation and space efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect when a user intends to open the drawer and automatically activates the motor to move the drawer, eliminating the need for manual handling of handles or knobs. The system serves itself by detecting user intent and executing the opening/closing action automatically.
3Ease of operation
If automated opening system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to handle requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect when a user intends to open the drawer and automatically activates the motor to move the drawer, eliminating the need for manual handling of handles or knobs. The system serves itself by detecting user intent and executing the opening/closing action automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the handle from the system entirely, replacing it with a sensor-based detection mechanism. By taking out the unnecessary handle component, the system achieves automation without the complexity and space issues associated with traditional handle mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If motor is integrated within the compartment, then insulation and space efficiency are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested within the drawer assembly, integrated into the existing structure rather than being mounted separately on the refrigerator body. This nesting approach allows the motor to occupy space within the drawer's own volume, avoiding additional external space requirements while maintaining insulation integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is merged with the drawer assembly, combining the driving mechanism with the moving component itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall space required, as the motor becomes part of the drawer unit rather than an add-on component.
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
Enhances user convenience by allowing automatic and controlled movement of the storage box without the need for a handle, maintaining insulation, and optimizing space usage, while ensuring consistent and efficient operation regardless of the weight of contents.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor; and a pinion connected to a shaft of the drive motor
Implementation Method 2
the pinion rotates, the drawer is moved along the rail in response to the rotation of the pinion
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator is provided. This system and method allows a drawer to be withdrawn from or inserted into a main body of a refrigerator at a preset speed regardless of the weight of items stored within the drawer, thus increasing reliability of the driving system and enhancing utility of the drawer.