Refrigerator Drawer Actuator for Automatic Extension and Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator drawer design requires users to manually extend and retract it, which can be cumbersome and requires bending, making it inconvenient and difficult to use, especially when storing or retrieving items from the lower drawer.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an extendable and retractable drawer system with an actuator that allows for automatic extension and retraction, along with a transfer plate that ascends or descends, enabling the storage space to adjust automatically, featuring a motor-driven mechanism for easy operation and reduced user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer is manually extended and retracted, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must bend or squat to access the drawer
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system performs self-service by automatically extending and retracting through the actuator mechanism, eliminating the need for user manual operation and bending, thereby improving ease of operation while accepting increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of extending and retracting the drawer is replaced by an automated actuator system that uses motor-driven mechanics to achieve drawer movement, transforming the operation from manual to automated
2Volume of stationary object
If the drawer is located at the lower end of the storage space, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must squat or bend forward
Solution Approach 1:
The lower drawer performs self-service by automatically extending toward the user through the actuator mechanism, eliminating the need for users to squat or bend forward, thereby maintaining storage space utilization while dramatically improving ease of access
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically extending the drawer before the user needs to access it, positioning the drawer contents at an accessible height without requiring user physical effort
3Productivity
If the drawer is extended manually, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to difficult manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system performs self-service by automatically extending and retracting through the actuator mechanism, eliminating the need for user manual operation and bending, thereby improving ease of access while accepting increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of extending and retracting the drawer is replaced by an automated actuator system that uses motor-driven mechanics to achieve drawer movement, transforming the operation from manual to automated
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes first storage for defining a first storage space therein, second storage disposed below the first storage and defining a second storage space therein, a drawer disposed in the second storage space in an extendable and retractable manner and defining a loading portion therein, and an actuator for extending or retracting the drawer from or into the second storage space, and ascending or descending the loading portion, simultaneously. The actuator includes an ascending and descending actuator disposed in the drawer to ascend and descend the loading space, an extension and retraction actuator for guiding extension and retraction directions of the drawer, wherein the extension and retraction actuator is connected to the ascending and descending actuator to link the ascending and descending actuator with extension and retraction of the drawer, and a driver connected to the drawer to extend and retract the drawer.