Overmolded Sliding Shelf Frame for Integrated Conductor Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliance shelves lack a convenient and secure method for routing and securing electrical conductors from a user interface to the rear, complicating the control of microenvironments within the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A shelf arrangement with a frame featuring laterally spaced front-to-rear brackets and rods, incorporating a recessed channel for electrical conductors, and overmolding with plastic to secure the components without direct mechanical fastening, allowing for a user interface to transmit control signals remotely while maintaining structural integrity and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors are routed from the user interface to the rear of the shelf, then remote control capability is enabled, but the routing and securing of conductors becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a recessed channel within the frame structure that serves as an intermediary pathway for electrical conductors. This channel guides and secures conductors from the user interface at the front to the rear of the shelf, eliminating the need for complex external routing and securing mechanisms while enabling remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the conductor routing function with the existing frame structure by integrating recessed channels into the frame members. This merging eliminates the need for separate conductor securing components and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining electrical connectivity for remote control.
2Strength
If traditional mechanical fastening methods are used to secure components, then structural integrity is ensured, but assembly time and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural frame with the conductor routing function by integrating recessed channels directly into the frame members. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and mechanical securing components, reducing assembly time and tool requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed channels in the frame structure self-secure the electrical conductors through their geometry alone, without requiring additional fastening operations. The channels are formed as integral parts of the frame during manufacturing, providing both structural support and conductor routing functionality simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf arrangement is provided which includes a support surface, a frame, and an electrical control interface positioned and accessible at a front of the shelf arrangement, the control interface arranged to transmit a control signal to a location remote from the shelf arrangement. The frame may include a pair of laterally spaced apart front-to-rear brackets supporting the support surface. The support surface may be a part of a shelf member. A pair of rods may extend laterally between the brackets. The frame may be at least partially overmolded with plastic.