Domestic appliance comprising a storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, require manual effort to extend and lift storage containers, which can be cumbersome, especially when located in lower areas, and existing solutions often necessitate complex drive units or sequence controls.
Innovation Solution
A push-chain assembly driven by a single drive unit that simultaneously facilitates the sliding and lifting movement of storage containers using a chain with restricted mobility, converting horizontal push chain movement into vertical lifting motion, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex sequence controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual extension of the drawer is used, then the storage container can be accessed, but the user must bend down which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic drawer extension and container lifting without requiring manual intervention. The drive unit activates the push chain which automatically extends the drawer and lifts the storage container, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user bending or manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If two separate drive units are used for pull-out and lift-out movements, then both movements can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive unit is used to perform both the drawer extension and container lifting functions. The drive unit connects to the push chain which is routed through guides to convert linear motion into the combined sequence of drawer extension followed by container lifting, merging two functions into one drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The push chain acts as an intermediary element between the single drive unit and the two movement functions. The chain is routed through return guides that convert the drive unit's linear motion into sequential drawer extension and container lifting movements, allowing one drive to control two distinct motions.
3Ease of operation
If a complicated sequence control is used for coordinated movements, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity and error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sequence control systems with a mechanical solution. The return guides with quarter-circular slideways provide passive mechanical sequencing that automatically ensures drawer extension completes before container lifting begins, eliminating the need for complex electronic control sequences and sensors.
4Volume of stationary object
If the storage container is arranged in a lower area extending to the base, then storage capacity is maximized, but access becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds vertical movement to the traditional horizontal drawer extension. After the drawer extends horizontally, the storage container is automatically lifted vertically to an accessible height, allowing maximum use of lower storage space while maintaining ease of access by bringing containers to ergonomic heights.
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 effortless extension and lifting of storage containers with reduced operational forces, enhancing user convenience and simplifying the design by using a single drive unit for coordinated sliding and lifting movements without complex control sequences.
Implementation Method 1
A push-chain assembly (42) is provided having at least one push chain (421) that is driven by the drive assembly (5), wherein the at least one push chain (421) is fixed to the storage container (41) by a free end and extends between the drive assembly (5) and the storage container (41) through a return guide (422) arranged on the sliding element (3).
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance includes a carcass and a sliding element extendible using a drive assembly situated in or on the carcass. A liftable storage container can be moved out of the carcass by the sliding element. The domestic appliance also includes a push-chain assembly having at least one push chain that is driven by the drive assembly. The at least one push chain is fixed to the storage container by a free end and extends between the drive assembly and the storage container through a return guide situated on the sliding element.