Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large refrigerators, especially side by side and bottom freezer types, foods stored in top areas are difficult to access due to increased height and depth, making it challenging for users to place or remove items from these hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A drawer assembly is provided in the upper area of the storage chamber, comprising a first drawer that moves rearward and a second drawer that moves forward and downward, supported by a rail unit and linked to facilitate easy access to top areas, with stoppers and dampers to control movement and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the refrigerator height and depth are increased to store more foods, then the storage capacity is improved, but the accessibility to top area foods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to move forward and downward on rails. This dynamic structure enables users to easily access foods in the top area by pulling the drawer forward and downward, resolving the accessibility problem while maintaining the increased storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer movement is extended from traditional horizontal sliding to a two-dimensional motion path that includes both forward movement and downward movement. This dimensional change allows the drawer to reach foods in the top area that would be inaccessible with conventional horizontal-only drawers
2Ease of operation
If a drawer is made to move forward and downward to access top area foods, then the accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forward and downward movements are combined into a single integrated drawer operation. The drawer moves along rails that guide both motions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each direction and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Rails serve as an intermediary mechanism that guides and constrains the drawer's movement. The rails simplify the complexity by providing a predetermined movement path, allowing the drawer to achieve complex two-dimensional motion through a simple sliding action
3Ease of operation
If the second drawer is made to move downward significantly, then the accessibility to deep top areas is improved, but the risk of damage from uncontrolled movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
A damper is installed on the second drawer to provide beforehand cushioning for the downward movement. The damper controls the descent speed and absorbs impact energy, preventing damage from uncontrolled movement while enabling significant downward travel for accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The damper provides feedback control for the drawer's downward movement by continuously adjusting the damping force based on the drawer's position and velocity. This feedback mechanism ensures controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion, preventing damage while maximizing accessibility
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a refrigerator including a refrigerator cabinet comprising a storage chamber provided therein, a first drawer provided in the storage chamber, movable forward, a second drawer arranged in front of the first drawer, movable forward and downward, a rail unit configured to support the first drawer and the second drawer and guide the motion of the first and second drawers, and a link unit comprising a shaft coupled to the second drawer, to rotate the second shelf forward and downward.