refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face issues with interference between door-mounted components and storage compartments, leading to reduced storage capacity, structural deformation, and inefficient air circulation due to complex and heavy receiving frames that concentrate loads, causing instability and aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a drawer guide system where the drawer load is supported by a cantilever, allowing the frame to move stably while reducing load on the frame guide, with a side plate extending between cabinets to enhance rigidity and minimize visible components, and an interlocking unit for automatic drawer operation and electric power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the receiving frame structure is strengthened to withstand concentrated loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and the volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load support function into two separate components: the receiving frame supports only the drawer weight, while the rail supports the food load and guides movement. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and lighter, avoiding the need for an overly complex receiving frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the receiving frame by introducing a separate rail structure. The rail is specifically designed to support the food load and provide movement guidance, while the receiving frame focuses only on supporting the drawer weight and enabling automatic withdrawal.
2Strength
If the receiving frame volume is increased to provide sufficient structural support, then the strength is improved, but the storage compartment capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support functions between the receiving frame and the rail, each component can be minimized in size. The receiving frame only needs to support the lightweight drawer, while the rail handles the food load, resulting in smaller overall volume and preserved storage capacity.
3Device complexity
If the load is concentrated on the rail, then the receiving frame structure is simplified, but the rail durability is insufficient under repetitive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the rail as an intermediary component between the receiving frame and the drawer. The rail serves as a dedicated load-bearing element that handles repetitive food loading, while the receiving frame remains simplified. The rail's design specifically addresses durability through its structural configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the link is connected to the bottom surface of the receiving frame, then the automatic withdrawal mechanism is achieved, but bending moment and shearing force cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the automatic withdrawal function from the receiving frame by connecting the link to the drawer directly. This allows the receiving frame to remain stable and rigid while still achieving automatic drawer withdrawal when the door opens, eliminating the deformation problem.
5Ease of operation
If the frame is exposed in the storage compartment to enable movement, then the automatic withdrawal function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded and circulation is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the movement mechanism components (link and receiving frame) from the visible storage compartment space. The link connects the door to the drawer, and the receiving frame operates within the door structure, leaving the storage compartment interior clean and unobtrusive while maintaining automatic withdrawal functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator of the present invention may have a drawer which is provided in a storage compartment formed on a cabinet and which accommodates stored goods, the drawer being movably supported by a drawer guide disposed in the storage compartment. In the storage compartment, a frame which is supported to be movable in the front/back directions by a frame guide may be provided, and a door opening and closing the storage compartment may be connected with the frame by a link. The frame may have a base part which is disposed on the lower side of the drawer and is connected with the link, and the frame may comprise a side plate which extends from the base part and reaches a height corresponding to the drawer. The side plate may comprise a vertical part which is vertical with respect to the base part. A cross section formed by horizontally cutting the vertical part may be formed so as to be elongated along the moving direction of the drawer. The vertical part may be connected with the drawer so as to enable the drawer to move integrally with the frame.