Refrigerator comprising a pull-out container for refrigeration articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances lack an inexpensive and efficient mechanism for easily pulling out and pushing back the refrigerated goods container, which can lead to instability and hygiene issues due to dirt and moisture accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration device incorporates a pull-out refrigerated goods container with rollers that run on tracks, including a sloping track section and a horizontal extension section, allowing the container to be gripped and pulled out, then automatically return to its original position, with rotatable rollers and intermediate housing components for easy cleaning and improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a refrigerated goods container is equipped with storage means having rollers that run on tracks, then the container can be easily pulled out and pushed back, but the mechanism becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The track is designed with a curved profile comprising a first section and a second section with different slopes. The curved geometry enables the container to automatically return to its initial position after being pulled out, eliminating the need for complex motorized or spring-based return mechanisms. The curvature itself provides the self-returning function through gravitational force acting on the container's center of gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage means is designed to be self-service by utilizing the container's own weight and the curved track geometry to automatically return the container to its initial position. The system does not require external power sources, motors, or complex control mechanisms - the container essentially serves itself by converting gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy during the return motion.
2Extent of automation
If the track is designed to slope towards the rear wall to enable automatic return, then the container returns automatically, but the user must actively push the container in to overcome the slope
Solution Approach 1:
The track design provides partial automation by automatically returning the container only for a portion of the travel distance (the return journey). The user is required to perform the excessive action of pushing the container against the slope, but only for the extension portion. This partial automation reduces the overall effort compared to fully manual operation while avoiding the complexity of full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved track profile with varying slopes is designed to optimize the force distribution. The first section has a steeper slope requiring more user force, while the second section has a gentler slope that allows easier pushing. The curvature ensures that once the container is pushed past the midpoint, gravity assists the return motion, reducing the perceived force requirement during the return phase.
3Ease of manufacture
If the roller is fixed directly to the container, then the structure is simpler, but cleaning becomes difficult and hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is segmented into separate components: the roller itself, the intermediate housing component, and the fastening elements. This segmentation allows the roller and intermediate housing to be detached from the container for cleaning purposes. The modular design enables users to remove and clean the roller components separately from the container, preventing dirt and moisture accumulation in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate housing component serves as an intermediary element between the roller and the container. This intermediate structure facilitates easy attachment and detachment of the roller, allowing it to be removed for cleaning while maintaining a secure connection during operation. The intermediate housing provides a standardized interface that simplifies both manufacturing and maintenance operations.
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 enables easy and stable operation of the refrigerated goods container, reducing effort required for pulling out and pushing back, while enhancing hygiene by allowing easy cleaning and preventing dirt and moisture ingress.
Implementation Method 1
the center of gravity of the refrigerated goods container and any refrigerated goods stored therein being raised by a certain height, which stores potential energy. If the refrigerated goods container is released, the stored potential energy can be released and converted into kinetic energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular a domestic refrigerator, having an inner container (2) with a front opening (4), which can be closed by a door leaf, for the removal and/or insertion of refrigeration articles, and a pull-out refrigeration article container (3), as well as mounting means (5) for mounting the refrigeration article container (3) in the inner container (2) in a pull-out manner, the mounting means (5) having on opposite sides of the refrigeration article container (3) in each case at least one roller (8a, 8b) which rolls on at least one track (14) of the inner container (2), the at least one track (14) having at least one track section (6) which slopes in the direction of a rear wall (2a) of the inner container (2).