Refrigerator Door-Within-Door Storage for Space and Accessibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators lack efficient storage solutions and user convenience, particularly in terms of storing food in a way that maximizes space and accessibility while maintaining a unified appearance for the doors.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first door with a storing device that creates a second storage compartment within the first compartment, accessible through a second door that can be opened independently, featuring a frame with baskets that can be easily removed and installed, and a locking mechanism to maintain stability and unity with the first door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a second storage compartment is added to the first door, then storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second storage compartment is nested within the first door, creating a door-within-door configuration. This allows the refrigerator to provide additional storage space while maintaining a compact overall structure and avoiding excessive complexity by integrating the second compartment into the existing door framework
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure is segmented into multiple independent storage compartments (first and second storage compartments), each accessible through its own door. This segmentation allows for improved storage organization and capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Ease of operation
If a second door is added to access the second storage compartment, then accessibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door access system is segmented into two independent doors - a first door for the first storage compartment and a second door for the second storage compartment. This allows selective access to different storage areas, improving operational convenience by enabling users to open only the smaller second door for frequently accessed items without the need to open the entire first door
3Ease of operation
If the basket is made removable and slidable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can slide along the storing device for easy access and can be completely removed when needed. The coupling part provides a mechanical connection that maintains stability during normal use while allowing controlled movement, balancing reliability with operational flexibility
4Shape
If the second door is made coplanar with the first door, then appearance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the second door is made coplanar with the first door to achieve visual symmetry and unity, the doors are asymmetric in size and function - the second door is smaller and provides access to a specific compartment. This asymmetric functional design within a symmetric visual framework balances aesthetic requirements with practical manufacturing considerations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention provides a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (10) that defines a first storage compartment (104); a first door (310) that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment (104); a storing device (40) placed on a rear surface of the first door (310) defining a second storage compartment (405), wherein, when the first door (310) is closed, the second storage compartment (405) is disposed in the first storage compartment (104); and a second door (340) connected to the first door (310) and configured to be opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment (405), wherein the storing device (40) includes: a basket installation part (550) disposed at the second storage compartment (405); and a basket (540) slidably installed on the basket installation part (550), wherein the basket installation part (550) and the basket (540) are accessible when the first door (310) is closed and at least the second door (340) is opened.