Pivoting Refrigerator Wine Rack for Space-Saving Bottle Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wine racks in refrigerators occupy unnecessary space when not in use, as they are typically independent components that require removal from the refrigeration compartment.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting wine rack design that connects to the side wall of the refrigeration compartment, allowing it to shift between abutting and perpendicular positions, with an auxiliary bracket and support system to securely hold bottles while occupying minimal space when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional independent wine rack is installed in the refrigeration compartment, then the wine rack can hold bottles securely, but it occupies unnecessary space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The wine rack is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a horizontal storage position and a vertical bottle-holding position. This dynamic capability enables the wine rack to adapt its configuration based on usage needs, occupying minimal space when not in use while providing full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wine rack is divided into separable components including a support structure attached to the refrigeration compartment and a rack portion that can be detached and repositioned. This segmentation allows the bottle-holding function to be isolated to only when needed, freeing up space during non-usage periods.
2Volume of moving object
If the wine rack is removed from the refrigeration compartment when not in use, then space is optimized, but the operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism enables the wine rack to transition smoothly between positions without requiring complete removal or complex assembly/disassembly operations. Users can simply rotate the rack between horizontal and vertical positions, maintaining ease of operation while optimizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the transition between storage and usage states. Instead of requiring direct manual removal and reinstallation, the pivot joint mediates the position change, making the operation more convenient and intuitive.
3Volume of moving object
If the wine rack pivots between horizontal and vertical positions, then space is optimized when not in use, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism provides a simple yet effective means of achieving position change without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems. This mechanical simplicity maintains low device complexity while delivering the space optimization benefits of a movable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wine rack utilizes rotational movement in a third dimension (pivot axis) to achieve position change, rather than requiring linear movement or complex mechanical linkages. This dimensional approach simplifies the overall structure while enabling efficient space utilization.
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
Enables the wine rack to be stored in a compact position within the refrigeration compartment without removal, optimizing space usage and facilitating easy access when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a wine rack (20) having a bottle placing portion (21) and an end being connected to a side wall of the refrigeration compartment (101) and pivoting about an axis in an up-down direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator (100) includes a liner (10) forming a refrigeration compartment (101); a wine rack (20) having a bottle placing portion (21) and an end being connected to a side wall of the refrigeration compartment (101) and pivoting about an axis in an up-down direction, in which the wine rack is capable of shifting between a first positon where the wine rack abuts against to the side wall and a second position where the wine rack is perpendicular to the side wall; and an auxiliary bracket (30) being connected to a rear side wall of the refrigeration compartment (101) and opposite to the bottle placing portion (21). The wine rack of the refrigerator occupies a small space in a refrigeration compartment when not in use.