Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator drawer-type doors face challenges in user convenience and safety due to exposed electrical devices and unstable elevation mechanisms, which can lead to safety issues and reduced storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring an elevation assembly with electrical devices housed within the front panel door part and a mechanism part in the drawer part, allowing for safe and reliable elevation of the support member without tilting, while maintaining a neat appearance and minimizing storage space loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical devices and structures for elevation are exposed on the drawer-type door, then the elevation function can be implemented, but safety issues arise due to exposed components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical devices and elevation structures are nested within the drawer-type door assembly. The elevation motor is positioned inside the door, and the support member is integrated into the door structure, allowing the elevation function to be implemented while keeping all components concealed and safe during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the user and the elevation mechanism. The control system manages the elevation motor and support member operation, enabling the elevation function while ensuring safe and controlled operation of the concealed components.
2Ease of operation
If force for elevation is applied to the front end of the storage container, then the storage container can be elevated, but stable elevation is difficult due to eccentric load
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with an asymmetric structure that extends from the front end to the rear end of the drawer-type door, with the rear end providing additional support. This asymmetric design compensates for the eccentric load by distributing the elevation force more effectively across the door structure, preventing tilting and ensuring stable elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member utilizes the depth dimension of the drawer-type door by extending from the front end toward the rear end. This dimensional extension allows the support member to span the eccentric load area, providing structural rigidity and stability during elevation while maintaining the ability to lift the storage container.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic cylinders are disposed on each of both sides to elevate the basket, then elevation can be achieved, but the basket may tilt if not accurately controlled and safety issues arise from exposed cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic cylinders are extracted from the exposed position on both sides of the drawer-type door and relocated to concealed positions. The elevation function is maintained through the integrated support member design, eliminating the safety hazards and tilting problems associated with exposed pneumatic cylinders while preserving the elevation capability.
4Ease of operation
If the basket is elevated by a support member exposed directly from the rear surface and bottom surface, then elevation can be achieved, but safety issues arise from exposed support members
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is nested within the drawer-type door structure, with portions of it integrated into the door assembly. This nesting conceals the support member during operation, eliminating safety issues from exposed components while maintaining the elevation function through the integrated design.
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.