Pivoting Refrigerator Drawer Lid for Dual-Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bottom mount refrigerators with full-width storage compartments face access limitations due to the lid of the lower compartment blocking simultaneous access to the upper drawer when the lower drawer is pulled out.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly design where the cover of the lower storage compartment pivots automatically between a closed and open position as it moves, allowing unrestricted access to both the lower and upper compartments by engaging with a slot mechanism that adjusts its position according to the compartment's movement, ensuring the cover does not obstruct the upper compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is fixed in the closed position, then protection of the lower compartment is improved, but access to both compartments is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable component that automatically adjusts its position based on the lower compartment's extension state, providing protection only when necessary and clearance when access is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid automatically opens and closes itself in response to the lower compartment's movement, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates to provide protection or access based on the operational state of the storage assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the lid pivots automatically with compartment movement, then access to both compartments is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting function is merged with the existing sliding mechanism of the lower compartment. The lid's pivot axis and movement path are integrated with the compartment's guide rails and support structures, so that a single act of pulling out the compartment simultaneously achieves both translation and lid rotation without requiring separate actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot axis or hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary element that couples the linear motion of the lower compartment with the rotational motion of the lid. This intermediary component translates the pulling force into coordinated movement of both the compartment and lid, simplifying the overall control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly includes a first storage compartment mounted within an interior chamber, a cover, and a slot. The first storage compartment is configured to move in a first direction between a first and a second position. The cover is secured to the first storage compartment and configured to pivot about an axis between a closed and an open position. The slot is located on one of a sidewall within the interior chamber or the cover, where the other one of the sidewall or the cover is configured to engage the slot. The cover moves in a second direction corresponding to a shape of the slot as the first storage compartment is moved between the first position and the second position. A second storage compartment can be provided above the first. The second storage compartment can move in the first direction despite the cover being in an open position.