A refrigerator comprising a container

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators lack an efficient solution for storing small amounts of perishable items like unfrozen meat and vegetables separately from other food items, which can lead to improper storage and spoilage.

Innovation Solution

A detachable storage container system is integrated into the refrigerator, featuring a holder with guide means that allows the container to be easily moved and attached to various spaces, ensuring efficient use of storage space and easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable storing part is added to store small items separately, then storage flexibility and protection against spoilage are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storing part is designed as a detachable, separable component from the main refrigerator body. It includes a holder portion that attaches to guide means and a storing portion that can be removed independently, allowing flexible placement in different locations while maintaining simple individual component structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder portion serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting structure for the storing part, provides guide rails for easy attachment/detachment, and can be installed in various locations within the refrigerator using the guide means system, making the same component adaptable to different storage needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the storing part is made detachable for easy installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of storage structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstorage structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the holder portion and the refrigerator body. It includes guide rails and engaging structures that facilitate easy attachment and detachment while ensuring proper alignment and secure connection, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and structural reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The storing part transitions from a fixed to a movable state through the detachable holder design. The guide means enables dynamic attachment and detachment while maintaining stable connection during use, allowing the structure to adapt between ease of installation and operational reliability states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the storing part is designed to move in multiple directions, then adaptability to different spaces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation versatilityVSAvoidguide means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide means serves as an intermediary system that provides standardized guide rails and mounting structures. These guides enable the holder to move in multiple directions (front-rear, left-right) while the guide infrastructure itself remains relatively simple and standardized, reducing the complexity burden on the moving component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4242563A1A refrigerator comprising a container
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4242563A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242563A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4242563A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A refrigerator of one embodiment includes a cabinet forming a storage, a first guide means being disposed in the storage, a holder being detachably coupled to the first guide means and including a second guide means configured to guide movement in a first direction, and a storing part defining a storage space, being coupled to the holder, and movable in a second direction different from the first direction.