Refrigerator Drawer Extraction Mechanism to Reduce Load Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerators, the existing withdrawal mechanisms for drawers often deform under the load of the drawers due to the concentration of load on a complex receiving frame, leading to reduced storage capacity and increased weight, and the separate provision of support and withdrawal means results in inefficient movement and potential shaking.
Innovation Solution
A withdrawal mechanism that includes a base part connected to the door via a link or driving means, with a rear frame extending to support the drawer guides, allowing the drawer to be moved forward while the load is supported by the guides, thus reducing the load on the mechanism and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the receiving frame is designed to support the load of the shelf and drawer, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and the volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing function from the withdrawal function. The receiving frame is segmented into a stationary part that supports the load and a movable withdrawal mechanism that only provides pushing force. This segmentation allows the receiving frame to be simpler while still maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity through the dedicated support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the withdrawal mechanism. The receiving frame is designed so that only the stationary support structure bears the load of the shelf and drawer, while the withdrawal mechanism (articulated link) is extracted to perform only the motion function without supporting weight, reducing its structural requirements.
2Strength
If the receiving frame is designed to support the load of the shelf and drawer, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the volume of the receiving frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving frame is segmented into minimal load-bearing elements. Only the necessary support points and articulated link are present, without excessive structural volume. The load is transferred directly to the cabinet body through defined paths, minimizing the volume of the receiving frame itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drawer is positioned at a distance from the front of the refrigerator to avoid interference, then the interference with door-mounted components is prevented, but the user must reach deeply into the storage compartment to access food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic movement to the drawer system. The articulated link mechanism automatically moves the drawer forward when the door opens, and returns it when the door closes. This dynamic behavior allows the drawer to be positioned rearward when the door is closed (avoiding interference) but move forward during door opening (improving accessibility), resolving the contradiction through motion.
4Speed
If the withdrawal mechanism is moved more smoothly than the receiving frame, then the movement efficiency is improved, but the withdrawal mechanism easily shakes due to low inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the drawer guide as an intermediary element between the withdrawal mechanism and the drawer. The guide provides lateral support and constraint to the withdrawal mechanism during movement, preventing shaking while allowing smooth forward motion. The intermediary structure stabilizes the low-inertia withdrawal mechanism without impeding its movement capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a cabinet that includes a storage compartment having an opening formed on the front side thereof; a door rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the opening; a drawer disposed within the storage compartment to accommodate stored goods therein; a drawer guide that supports the drawer and guides the drawer in order to enable the drawer to move forward and rearward; an extraction mechanism that includes a base part that is disposed below the drawer and moves forward while the door is opened and rearward while the door is closed, a rear frame that extends from the base part toward the rear side of the drawer and pushes the drawer forward when the base part moves forward, and an arm that extends forward from the rear frame and is disposed between the drawer and a side of the storage compartment; and an arm guide disposed between the side of the storage compartment and the drawer to guide the arm in order to enable the arm to move forward and rearward.