Refrigeration Unit Hinged Frame Design for Cleaning Accessibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration units face challenges in cleaning due to support frames being fixed to the interior surface, creating crevices for debris and bacteria accumulation, which are difficult to access and time-consuming to remove, especially in large commercial units.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration unit design featuring hingedly coupled frames that pivot away from the wall, allowing easy access for cleaning, with locking mechanisms to maintain the pivoted position, and reversible coupling for easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support frame is fixed to the interior surface by fasteners, then the frame provides stable support for shelves, but crevices are created that accumulate debris and bacteria and are difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one that can pivot between a closed position (for stability and support) and an open position (for cleaning access). The hinge mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the frame to move away from the interior surface to expose crevices for cleaning, then return to its stable support position.
2Ease of operation
If the support frame is removed to allow proper cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but the significant size and weight of the frame makes removal impractical and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete removal, the frame is designed to pivot dynamically to an open position that provides sufficient cleaning access. This dynamic movement requires minimal effort compared to full removal and allows cleaning to be performed quickly without the time-consuming process of detaching and reattaching heavy frames with tools.
3Strength
If the support frame is fixed in place, then structural support is maintained, but dirt accumulates at the interface between the frame and refrigeration compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's ability to pivot dynamically allows it to maintain structural support during normal use while periodically moving to an open position that eliminates dirt accumulation. The dynamic movement exposes the interface area for cleaning, preventing bacterial growth and contamination while the frame remains in its stable support position during operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed frames are used, then manufacturing is simple, but maintenance and cleaning become complex requiring tools and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transforms the maintenance approach from complex disassembly to simple dynamic movement. The frame pivots to an open position that provides direct access to cleaning areas, eliminating the need for tools and complex procedures. The hinge itself is designed to be simple and robust, maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a refrigeration unit (100) comprising a refrigeration compartment (102) in which a frame (108) for supporting one or more shelves is provided. The frame (108) is hingedly coupled to a wall (114) of the refrigeration compartment (102) such that the frame is pivotable away from the wall (114) to increase a spacing between a free end of the frame and the wall.