Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator drawer systems face challenges in safely and stably elevating storage containers, often resulting in exposure of mechanical components, safety hazards, and instability due to eccentric loads.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring an elevation assembly with electrical devices housed within the front panel door part and mechanism parts integrated within the drawer part, allowing for safe and stable elevation of support members without tilting, while minimizing exposure of mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drawer-type door is disposed in the lower region of the refrigerator, then the refrigerator structure is compact, but the user has to turn its back to take out items and may feel inconvenient or be injured
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer-type door is designed to be movable in the vertical direction through an elevation assembly, allowing it to transition from a fixed lower position to an elevated position. This dynamic adjustment enables users to access items without bending or turning their backs, resolving the contradiction between compact structure and user convenience.
2Device complexity
If the storage container is elevated by applying force to the front end, then the elevation mechanism is simple, but the container may tilt or deform due to eccentric load
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation force is applied asymmetrically through a linkage mechanism that connects to the center of gravity of the storage container. This asymmetric force distribution compensates for the eccentric load, preventing tilting and deformation while maintaining a relatively simple elevation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the elevation actuator and the storage container. This intermediary component transfers and distributes the elevation force properly, ensuring stable and balanced lifting without direct application of force to the front end only.
3Force
If the pneumatic cylinder is disposed on each of both sides to elevate the basket, then the elevation force is distributed, but the basket may tilt if not accurately controlled and the volume within the basket is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation mechanism components, including the pneumatic cylinder and linkage, are extracted and disposed outside the basket's storage space, preferably in the drawer-type door structure. This extraction maintains the force distribution benefits while preserving the full internal volume of the basket for storage.
4Ease of operation
If the entire basket is elevated, then the user convenience is improved, but the insertion and withdrawal of the basket becomes unstable and requires reinforcement structures
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation function is segmented from the entire basket structure and applied only to the storage container portion. The basket remains fixed in its insertion position while the container elevates independently, maintaining insertion/withdrawal stability while providing user convenience through elevated access.
5Ease of operation
If the connection portion and electrical devices are exposed to enable elevation, then the elevation function is accessible, but safety problems occur in use
Solution Approach 1:
A cover structure is used to enclose the connection portion and electrical devices of the elevation assembly. This flexible or rigid shell provides protection against accidental contact and exposure, eliminating safety hazards while allowing the elevation function to operate normally through controlled access.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a lower storage space, a front panel door part, a drawer part connected to the front panel door part, a support member located at the drawer part and configured to seat one or more objects stored in the drawer part, at least one draw-out rail that is configured to connect the drawer part to an inner wall surface of the lower storage space, and that is configured to extend and retract in multiple stages to assist insertion and withdrawal of the drawer part based on movement of the front panel door part, and at least one elevation device that is located at each of both side surfaces of the drawer part, that is connected to each of both sides of the support member, and that is configured to elevate the support member relative to the drawer part.