Pull-Out Refrigerator Shelf Layout for Unobstructed Lower Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration devices with pull-out shelves hinder access to lower compartments when the shelf is extended, making it difficult to temporarily store and distribute large quantities of refrigerated goods, such as a full shopping bag, due to instability and the need to remove items from lower compartments first.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration device design featuring a shelf mounted in a gap between the floor and a pull-out box, with handle recesses for easy access and telescopic rails for smooth movement, allowing the shelf to be used for temporary storage without obstructing lower compartment access, and enabling easy loading and unloading of goods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional pull-out shelf is used, then refrigerated goods can be stored, but it cannot accommodate large quantities of goods for temporary storage and distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidtemporary storage and distribution functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pull-out box is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a permanent storage compartment for the refrigeration device and a temporary holding area for bulk refrigerated goods during distribution. The box can accommodate large quantities of goods and can be easily pulled out for loading and unloading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull-out box acts as an intermediary between external storage (shopping bags) and the internal refrigeration compartments. It provides a temporary holding area where goods can be unloaded from shopping bags and then distributed to individual compartments, eliminating the need to remove items from lower compartments first.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the shelf is mounted on the floor, then structural support is simplified, but it obstructs access to lower compartments when pulled out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidaccess to lower compartments
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The box is extracted from the floor-mounted configuration and repositioned to hang from the side walls of the interior. This extraction resolves the obstruction problem by separating the box's support structure from the floor, allowing the box to be pulled out independently without blocking access to lower compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mounting the box directly to the floor, the solution uses side wall mounting with handle recesses that provide equivalent structural support and functionality. The handle recesses engage with the box to provide pulling force, replicating the support function while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If the box is hung on side walls, then accessibility to lower compartments is maintained, but the pulling mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to lower compartmentsVSAvoidpulling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The box is equipped with integrated handle recesses that are part of the box structure itself, eliminating the need for separate pulling mechanisms. The handle recesses are formed directly in the box walls, allowing users to grip and pull the box without additional mechanical components, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining side wall mounting benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2005093B1Refrigerator with support shelf
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2005093B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2005093B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2005093B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A refrigerator comprises a chassis and a door (1), enclosing an interior (3). A support shelf (6) which may be pulled out from the interior (3) is arranged directly over the base of the interior (3).