Refrigerator Bin Under-Glide Layout for Space-Efficient Sliding Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliance storage components, such as shelves and drawers, face challenges in balancing competing factors like durability, cost, and space efficiency, while also providing smooth and quiet operation, tactile feedback, and flexibility in configuration to meet user demands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of under-bin glides and slides with integrated guide members and wheels, which allow for independent sliding of storage components, providing a low-profile, aesthetically pleasing, and space-efficient solution that can be customized to accommodate various bin sizes and configurations, while minimizing noise and requiring minimal force for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust slide or glide system components are used for large crisper bins, then durability and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slide system is divided into separate components: a slide member attached to the storage component and a glide member attached to the cabinet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for durability while keeping the overall system simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide and glide members are designed to be universal components that can be used across different storage component sizes and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized robust components for each application, lowering complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If robust slide or glide system components are used for large crisper bins, then durability and reliability are improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The essential sliding function is extracted into simple, minimal components (slide member and glide member) that provide the necessary durability without the bulk and space consumption of more complex robust mechanisms. This extraction allows durable functionality with minimal space usage.
3Ease of operation
If sliding components are designed for smooth and accurate movement, then user experience is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide and glide members are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured using cost-effective methods. While individual components are simple and cheap, their coordinated design provides smooth and accurate movement, achieving good user experience without high manufacturing costs.
4Ease of operation
If sliding components are designed for smooth and accurate movement, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member and glide member are designed to work together as an integrated system where their combined interaction provides smooth and accurate movement. This merging of simple components achieves enhanced user experience without the complexity of individual sophisticated mechanisms.
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
This solution enhances storage efficiency and user experience by allowing for flexible storage configurations, efficient use of space, and reduced noise, while maintaining a clean aesthetic and ensuring smooth, quiet operation of storage components.
Implementation Method 1
A storage component, such as a shelf or a drawer, may include one or more wheels which cooperate with a rail to facilitate movement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for storage in a refrigerated appliance. One aspect includes glides or slides underneath and within the bottom perimeter dimensions of any bin or bin carrier relative to its supporting structure in the refrigerated appliance. This allows adjacent bins to more efficiently utilize lateral storage space in the refrigerator. It also promotes hiding of the glide or slides from view.