Refrigerator Basket Assembly With Elastic Knob Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators experience issues with baskets being shaken or damaged due to inertia when the door is opened, and the existing fastening systems are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A basket assembly with an elastically deformable knob and protruding portion that securely holds the basket in place using a fastening groove mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and reduced manufacturing costs, while enabling selective movement of the basket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional fastening system is used to hold the basket in place, then the basket stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional components: a knob with multiple extension portions (first, second, third extension portions), a protruding portion, and a fastening groove. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall assembly and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple, easily manufacturable components made from cost-effective materials. The knob and protruding portion are designed as simple plastic or rubber components that can be mass-produced through injection molding, eliminating the need for complex metal fastening mechanisms and significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
2Reliability
If a complex fastening unit is used to securely hold the basket, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be self-actuating through the elastic deformation of the knob. When force is applied to the third extension portion, the first extension portion automatically deforms elastically to move the distal end below the protruding portion, enabling the basket to be released without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. This self-service mechanism simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in the physical state of the knob material through elastic deformation. The knob is made from an elastic material that can temporarily deform under applied force and return to its original shape, allowing the fastening system to transition between locked and unlocked states without mechanical wear or complex actuation mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the basket is rotatably connected to allow movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to inertia when the door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system applies a preliminary restraining force to counteract the inertial forces generated when the door is opened. The knob and protruding portion engage to pre-compenstate for the backward force that occurs during door opening, preventing the basket from moving or shaking before the inertial force actually acts on it.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a dynamic fastening system that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The elastic knob allows the basket to be securely held during normal operation but can be easily released when needed, providing both stability and operational flexibility. The system adapts its restraining force based on the operational requirements.
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
The solution effectively prevents basket movement due to door opening forces, ensuring stability and reducing manufacturing complexity, allowing for efficient and cost-effective assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a knob provided at the basket and configured to be elastically deformable... when a user applies force to the third extension portion in a forward direction, the first extension portion is elastically deformed such that the distal end of the first extension portion is moved to a lower position than the distal end of the protruding portion
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a basket assembly thereof are disclosed. The basket assembly includes a basket, a cover for covering the basket, a knob provided at the basket, and a protruding portion provided at the cover and fastened to the knob. The knob includes a first extension portion extending from the basket in an upwardly inclined direction to a higher position than a distal end of the protruding portion so as to support a rear surface of the protruding portion, a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion in a downwardly inclined direction, and a third extension portion extending downwards from the second extension portion. When force is applied to the third extension portion in a forward direction, the first extension portion is elastically deformed such that the distal end of the first extension portion is moved to a lower position than the distal end of the protruding portion.