Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized refrigerators face issues with storage drawer frames bending due to increased load, leading to exterior deterioration and difficulty in drawing the drawer.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure for the storage drawer that includes a supporter elongated in the left-right direction, coupled to the frame through holes penetrating in the front-rear direction, and additional frame holding parts to enhance stability and rigidity, reducing frame thickness and material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the storage drawer increases to meet demand for large-sized refrigerator, then the storage capacity increases, but the load on the frame increases causing the frame to bend
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple sections with intermediate support structures. The crossbar is added between the left and right side bars to segment the large frame into smaller structural units, distributing the load and preventing bending while maintaining large storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar extends in the left-right direction (horizontal dimension) to provide additional support. This dimensional addition creates a three-dimensional framework that resists bending forces better than a simple linear frame structure.
2Strength
If the frame thickness is increased to prevent bending, then the frame strength improves, but the storage space decreases and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the thickness of individual frame members, the frame is segmented with additional crossbars that provide structural support. This allows maintaining thin frame members (preserving storage space) while achieving the required strength through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame uses a composite structure combining side bars, crossbars, and intermediate supports to achieve high strength without requiring thick individual members. This composite framework provides the necessary strength while keeping material usage efficient and storage space maximized.
3Strength
If the frame thickness is increased to prevent bending, then the frame strength improves, but the material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple components (side bars, crossbars, intermediate supports) that work together to provide strength. This segmentation allows using thinner, less expensive materials while achieving the required structural strength through the distributed support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite frame structure combines multiple slender members to achieve high strength-to-cost ratio. This approach uses less material overall compared to a single thick frame member, reducing material costs while maintaining or improving frame strength.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional support structures are added to the frame, then the frame rigidity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented with simple crossbar and intermediate support elements that are easy to manufacture and assemble. This segmentation provides rigidity through basic geometric shapes rather than complex integrated structures, maintaining ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar and intermediate supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural rigidity, act as mounting points for storage components, and distribute loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator comprises a frame being held at a refrigerating case, a storage drawer being supported by the frame and moving in a front-rear direction with respect to the frame, and a supporter being coupled to the frame, the supporter comprising a first supporter panel having a first width in the front-rear direction and having a plate shape elongated in a left-right direction, a third supporter panel being disposed under the first supporter panel, having a second width in the front-rear direction and having a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction, and a second supporter panel connecting between the first supporter panel and the second supporter panel, having a predetermined height in an up-down direction and having a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction.