Refrigerator Drawer with Extendable Rack Gear for Full Withdrawal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with automatic drawer doors face issues such as increased weight due to the motor being integrated into the drawer, potential inclination of the refrigerator when the drawer is withdrawn, and limited withdrawal distance due to a fixed rack length, which can result in incomplete exposure of storage space and poor aesthetics when the motor is exposed.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a rack gear assembly with a fixed and moving rack portion that extends and retracts, a motor assembly positioned outside the drawer, and a fixing assembly to manage the rack gear's length change, ensuring complete drawer withdrawal without exposing the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the driving motor is provided in the drawer, then the drawer can be automatically withdrawn, but the drawer weight increases and the refrigerator may incline when the drawer is withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The driving motor is extracted from the drawer and relocated to the cabinet body. The motor assembly is now positioned in the cabinet body and connected to the rack gear through a transmission mechanism, separating the heavy motor component from the moving drawer to reduce drawer weight while maintaining automatic withdrawal functionality.
2Length of moving object
If the rack length is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the drawer withdrawal distance is limited and the storage space cannot be sufficiently exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is transformed from a fixed length to a dynamically extendable structure. The rack gear is configured to extend in the drawing direction when the drawer is withdrawn and retract when the drawer is inserted, allowing the drawer to travel a greater distance while the rack remains contained within the cabinet body.
3Length of moving object
If the rack length is increased to allow greater withdrawal distance, then the storage space can be fully exposed, but the rack gear becomes exposed to the outside when the drawer is withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable rack gear is nested within the cabinet body structure. When the rack extends to enable full drawer withdrawal, it retracts back into the cabinet body, preventing external exposure and maintaining a clean, compact appearance from the outside.
4Weight of moving object
If the motor assembly is positioned outside the drawer, then the drawer weight is reduced, but the motor assembly requires additional space in the cabinet body
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is positioned in the vertical dimension above the rack gear rather than occupying horizontal space that would reduce the storage chamber. This vertical arrangement allows the motor to be housed in the cabinet body without significantly compromising the storage volume available for foods.
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 allows for increased automatic drawer withdrawal distance, complete exposure of storage space, and maintains a clean exterior appearance by keeping the motor hidden, addressing weight and aesthetic concerns of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion gear that is rotated by the motor, the pinion gear being configured to provide a driving force that moves the drawer door into and out of the storage chamber; and a rack gear assembly provided at the drawer door and having a rack that is configured to be coupled to the pinion gear
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage chamber, a drawer door, a motor assembly provided at the storage chamber and configured to provide a driving force that moves the drawer door relative to the storage chamber, and a rack gear assembly provided at the drawer door and having an extendable rack gear. The rack gear includes a fixed rack fixed to the drawer door and a moving rack slidably coupled to the fixed rack. The drawer door includes a drawer part that defines an upwardly open storage space, and a door part that is configured to, based on the drawer door being inserted into the storage chamber, close the storage chamber.