refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator baskets are inconvenient for users as they are fixed to the door, making it difficult to retrieve items stored deep inside, especially from the back side of the main door when the sub-door is open.
Innovation Solution
A movable basket assembly within the main door that can slide forward and backward, with a reinforcing plate and lever system to secure the basket and prevent movement during door rotation, minimizing shaking and ensuring easy access and retrieval of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the basket is made movable forward and backward, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide forward and backward along guide rails. This dynamic structure enables users to easily access objects at the back of the basket by pulling it forward, while the movement is controlled through mechanical guidance systems that maintain stability during door rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket assembly is divided into separate functional components including the basket body, guide rails, reinforcing plates, and lever mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system, managing complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If the basket is made movable, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcing plates are strategically positioned within the basket assembly to counteract the instability that would naturally occur during door rotation. These reinforcing elements provide structural support and prevent excessive movement or shaking of the basket while it is in the movable state, addressing the stability issue before it becomes problematic.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rails and reinforcing plates act as intermediary elements between the movable basket and the door structure. These intermediaries transmit and control the forces during door rotation, ensuring the basket moves smoothly forward and backward while maintaining stability and preventing unintended movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the basket is secured to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The basket system employs dynamic securing mechanisms rather than fixed attachment. The lever and projection mechanisms allow the basket to be securely held in position during normal door rotation, yet can be easily released and moved forward or backward when needed, providing both stability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism with projections is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the basket's position. When the basket is pulled forward, the projection naturally disengages from the lever, allowing movement. When released, the lever automatically returns to secure the basket, providing self-service securing without requiring additional user action.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There is disclosed a refrigerator (100) comprising a cabinet (1) comprising a storage compartment (11) provided therein, a main door (21) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (1) and opening and closing the storage compartment (11), a door opening (216) provided in the main door (21) and in communication with the storage compartment (11), a sub door (23) opening and closing the door opening (216), and a basket assembly (3) provided in the door opening (216) and comprising a basket (31) movable forward and backward, wherein the basket assembly (3) comprises a front plate (32) provided under the basket (31), a front rail assembly (34) provided under the front plate (32) and configured to move the front plate (32) forward, a rear plate (36) provided under the front rail assembly (34), and a rear rail assembly (38) provided under the rear plate (36) and configured to move the rear plate (36) backward.