Refrigerator Drawer Elevation Device with Separated Driving Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with drawer-type doors face issues such as exposed lifting mechanisms causing safety hazards, reduced storage capacity, noise, and instability due to eccentric loads, which affect usability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An elevation device is integrated within the refrigerator door, featuring a lifting assembly with rods that elevate the drawer part, separated from the driving device, to ensure stability and minimize storage loss, while being concealed from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is disposed inside the refrigerator, then the elevation function is achieved, but the storage capacity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into two separate parts: a driving device disposed outside the refrigerator body and a lifting mechanism disposed inside. This segmentation allows the storage capacity to be maximized by placing the bulky driving device externally, while only the minimal necessary lifting components remain inside the refrigerator.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving device is extracted from the refrigerator interior and disposed outside the refrigerator body. This extraction eliminates the storage capacity loss that would occur if the entire lifting mechanism were placed inside, while still achieving the elevation function through the separated components.
2Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is disposed inside the refrigerator, then the elevation function is achieved, but the serviceability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is divided into a driving device and a lifting mechanism that can be separately disposed. This segmentation improves serviceability by allowing the driving device to be accessed and serviced from outside the refrigerator, eliminating the need to separate the door for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving device is extracted from the refrigerator interior and placed outside, making it easily accessible for service and repair operations without requiring door separation or disassembly of internal components.
3Force
If the driving part is exposed to the outside, then the elevation force is sufficient, but the noise is transmitted to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
A connection assembly acts as an intermediary between the driving device disposed outside the refrigerator and the lifting mechanism inside. This intermediary structure transmits the elevation force effectively while isolating the noise generated by the driving device from the refrigerator interior and external environment.
4Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is exposed outside the bin, then the elevation function is achieved, but the safety problem occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The driving device is extracted from the bin area and disposed outside the refrigerator body, eliminating the safety hazard of exposed moving parts near the storage space. The lifting mechanism inside remains concealed and safe, while the external driving device operates at a safe distance.
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 provides a stable, efficient, and safe elevation mechanism that maintains storage capacity, improves assembly and cleanliness, and enhances the refrigerator's appearance by hiding the lifting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting assembly including a plurality of rods that are rotatably coupled to each other, that cross each other, and that connect the lower frame to the upper frame
Data Source
AI summary
An elevation device for a refrigerator drawer includes a lower frame, an upper frame, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly includes: a pair of first rods having a first end rotatably coupled to the lower frame and a second end that translates along the upper frame; and a pair of second rods having a first end rotatably coupled to the upper frame and a second end that translates along the lower frame. The second rod is rotatably coupled to and crosses the first rod. The first or second rod is connected to a driving device via the first end of the first or second rod, with the driving device disposed outside the upper frame and the lower frame. The first and second rods are configured to, based on power from the driving device, rotate about their respective first ends to elevate the upper frame relative to the lower frame.