Refrigerator Door Accessory Coupling System for Adjustable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges with detachable storage baskets that require vertical movement for attachment and detachment, leading to reduced storage space and difficulty in removing the support structure.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a guide with guide fasteners along the door's height direction for adjustable coupling of accessories, allowing for detachable and cantilevered attachment, and the ability to combine multiple accessories with different functions, including power supply capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage basket is detachably disposed on a movable supporter that depends on a rail, then the storage basket can be separated when not in use, but it becomes difficult to remove the supporter and reduces storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling function from a complex movable rail supporter system and integrates it directly into the door structure. The guide fasteners are built into the door, eliminating the need for separate movable supporters and rails, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining detachability of storage accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function and coupling mechanism into the door itself by integrating guide fasteners directly into the door structure. This combines previously separate components (door, supporter, coupling mechanism) into a unified structure, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If support grooves are defined in both side surfaces of the storage basket to accommodate support members, then the storage basket can be coupled to support members, but the storage space is reduced by the space required for defining the support grooves
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of defining support grooves in the storage basket (which reduces storage space), the patent inverts the approach by providing guide fasteners in the door and coupling portions on the storage basket. This reversal eliminates the need for space-consuming grooves in the basket while maintaining coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the coupling mechanism from a two-dimensional groove structure in the basket to a point-based fastener system on the door. This dimensional change from surface grooves to discrete fastener points eliminates the volume occupation of grooves while preserving the coupling function.
3Reliability
If the storage basket must be moved upward by a distance greater than the height of the support member for removal, then the coupling can be secure, but the operation becomes difficult and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a coupling portion with a coupling protrusion that engages with the guide fastener at a specific point. This partial engagement provides sufficient security for reliable coupling during normal use, while the design allows for easy disengagement when needed, avoiding the excessive upward movement requirement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories with different functions are coupled to the door, then the functionality and versatility are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coupling system where the guide fasteners on the door can accommodate multiple different types of accessories through standardized coupling portions. This multi-functional design allows various accessories (storage baskets, ice makers, etc.) to be coupled to the same door structure without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet that has a storage space formed therein and an inlet formed on the front surface; a door that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet and opens and closes the inlet; and an accessory that is detachably coupled to the door. The door includes: a guide that is located on one surface facing the storage space and supports the accessory; and a plurality of guide fastening portions provided in the guide along the height direction of the door. The accessory includes: an accessory body that forms the outer shape; and an accessory fastening portion that is provided on one surface of the accessory body and coupled to at least one of the plurality of guide fastening portions.