Refrigerator storage compartment assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator storage compartment assemblies lack efficient air temperature control and collision prevention mechanisms, particularly in bottom-mount refrigerators with double doors, which can lead to space constraints and potential collisions when accessing storage containers.
Innovation Solution
A storage compartment assembly with a storage container having sides spaced away from the refrigerator compartment sides, featuring housings for air handling and water filtration components, and a cover system that allows for temperature control and collision avoidance by using sliding rails and pivotally mounted doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the storage container is positioned close to the refrigerator compartment sides to optimize space, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of collision during door operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the storage container at a predetermined spaced distance from the refrigerator compartment sides before door operation occurs. This pre-positioning creates a safety buffer zone that prevents collision between the storage container and door during opening/closing operations, while still optimizing space utilization through minimal necessary spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary spacing zone between the storage container and the refrigerator compartment sides. This intermediary space acts as a buffer that mediates between the storage container and door movements, preventing direct contact and collision while allowing both components to function within their operational ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If housings are added for air handling and water filtration components, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (air handling, water filtration, and structural support) into integrated housings that are combined with the storage container assembly. This consolidation approach improves overall functionality by incorporating air circulation and water filtration capabilities while managing structural complexity through unified design elements rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housings serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the storage container, facilitate air handling for temperature control, and accommodate water filtration components. This multi-functionality approach enhances adaptability and versatility while avoiding the need for separate dedicated structures for each function.
3Reliability
If the storage container sides are spaced away from the refrigerator compartment sides, then collision prevention is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by spacing the storage container sides away from the refrigerator compartment sides by only the minimum necessary distance to prevent collision during door operation. This partial spacing provides sufficient protection against collision while minimizing the loss of usable storage space, avoiding excessive spacing that would unnecessarily reduce volume utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage compartment assembly is located within the interior of a compartment of a refrigerator such as a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The storage compartment assembly includes a storage container the temperature of which can be controlled independently of the temperature in the fresh food compartment. At least one of the sides of the storage container can be spaced away from a respective interior side of the refrigerator compartment and a housing located in the space between the side of the storage container and the interior side of the refrigerator compartment. The housing can contain components that are configured to function in the operation of the refrigerator, including the storage compartment assembly. The refrigerator can comprise a bottom-mount refrigerator and the fresh food compartment can be provided with double-doors for closing and opening the interior of the fresh food compartment.