Refrigerator Drawer Elevation Mechanism Using Nested Curved Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator drawer-type doors with lifting mechanisms for elevating storage boxes often expose the driving components, leading to safety issues, contamination, noise, and aesthetic problems, as well as limited elevation height due to the frame design.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with an elevation device that includes a driving motor, first and second curved racks, and elevation bars to vertically move an elevation plate within the storage box, maintaining the plate in a horizontal state and minimizing external exposure of the driving components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lifting mechanism is disposed outside the storage box, then the elevation function is achieved, but safety problems and contamination occur due to exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is nested inside the storage box, with the curved rack and elevation bars contained within the box's internal space. This nesting approach maintains the elevation functionality while eliminating external exposure, thereby resolving the safety and contamination issues associated with outwardly disposed mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the lifting mechanism is disposed outside the storage box, then the elevation function is achieved, but noise is transmitted to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the driving part of the lifting mechanism inside the storage box, the noise generated during operation is contained within the box's interior. The box structure acts as a sound barrier, preventing noise transmission to the external environment while preserving the elevation function.
3Length of moving object
If the frame protrudes further upward than the door, then the elevation height is increased, but aesthetic deterioration and safety accidents occur
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is nested within the door structure, with the box's upper end positioned at or below the door's top surface. This nested arrangement allows the box to achieve sufficient elevation height for its contents while maintaining the door's external aesthetic appearance and eliminating protruding frame elements that could cause safety accidents.
4Length of moving object
If the frame protrudes further upward than the door, then the elevation height is increased, but the vertical portion of the frame is exposed to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is nested within the door, with its vertical frame portions contained inside the door structure. This nesting ensures that no frame portions protrude beyond the door's external surface, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing adequate elevation height through the nested configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances user safety and convenience by preventing accidents, reducing noise, and allowing for greater elevation height without compromising the refrigerator's appearance or storage capacity, while maintaining the elevation plate in a horizontal state during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a driving motor; a first curved rack configured to rotate by rotation force generated from the driving motor
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage space therein, and a drawer slidably movable forward and backward from the storage space. The drawer includes a door, a storage box provided at a rear surface of the door, an elevation plate disposed within the storage box, and an elevation device connected with one side of the elevation plate to vertically elevate the elevation plate. The elevation device includes a driving motor, a first curved rack to rotate by a rotational force generated by the driving motor, the first curved rack being curved at a predetermined curvature and having an outer circumferential surface, a first elevation bar to connect the first curved rack with the elevation plate, a second curved rack being curved at a predetermined curvature and having an outer circumferential surface to engage with the outer circumferential surface of the first curved rack, and a second elevation bar to connect the second curved rack with the elevation plate.