Nested Rotating Shelf Design for Refrigerator Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator shelving systems lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting and securing shelves, leading to limited space utilization and stability issues, especially when transitioning between storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system comprising a first shelf with inwardly protruding tabs, rollers, hangers, and a second shelf with outwardly protruding tabs, allowing the second shelf to rotate and slide to nest within the first shelf, utilizing roller guide tracks and stops for linear movement and rotational pivoting, enhancing adjustability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional refrigerator shelving systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the space utilization is limited and stability issues occur when transitioning between storage positions
Solution Approach 1:
The second shelf is designed to nest within the first shelf when in the retracted position, maximizing vertical space utilization. The nested configuration allows one shelf to be stored within the space of another, effectively doubling storage capacity in the vertical dimension without increasing the refrigerator's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system incorporates movable components including rollers that travel along guide tracks and hangers that enable rotation and sliding movements. This dynamic design allows the second shelf to transition between extended and retracted positions, providing adaptability for different storage needs while maintaining structural integrity through engineered movement paths.
2Ease of operation
If the second shelf is allowed to rotate and slide to nest within the first shelf, then adjustability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases with rollers, hangers, and guide tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: rollers for linear movement along guide tracks, hangers for rotational support, and tab structures for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall complex mechanism manageable and maintainable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tracks serve as intermediaries that constrain and guide the movement of rollers, ensuring smooth transitions between positions. The tabs act as intermediaries that engage with corresponding features to secure the shelf in desired positions, mediating between the user's adjustment actions and the shelf's final positioned state.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stops are used to limit linear movement of rollers, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stops are pre-positioned within the guide tracks at specific locations that correspond to desired shelf positions. This preliminary placement of stops ensures that when the shelf is moved, it automatically engages with the stops at the correct positions, providing stability without requiring active control or complex locking mechanisms during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelving system includes a first shelf, rollers, hangers, and a second shelf. The first shelf has an upper surface and defines tracks below the upper surface. The rollers are disposed within the tracks. The hangers are rotatably secured to the rollers. The second shelf is rotatably secured to the hangers. The second shelf is configured to rotate about the rollers via the hangers upon engagement between the rollers and stops to transition from a lower position to an upper-forward position. The second shelf is configured to slide rearward from the upper-forward position to an upper-rearward position. The second shelf is configured to nest with the first shelf in the upper-rearward position.