Refrigerator Drawer Roller Assembly with Load-Distributing Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller type drawers in refrigerators face increased stress and risk of damage or cracking due to higher loads, leading to potential damage to the roller and storage parts, and existing designs may compromise aesthetics by exposing reinforcing structures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating protruding ribs along the outer perimeter surface of the storage part that extend horizontally to distribute vertical loads and a curved boundary surface to reduce stress concentrations, while keeping the reinforcing structure hidden from the front view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the drawer size increases to provide larger storage volume, then the storage capacity increases, but the load on the roller increases causing stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer body is segmented by adding protruding ribs that divide the storage part into multiple sections. These ribs are positioned to receive and distribute the load from the roller, preventing concentrated stress on single points. The segmentation allows the drawer to maintain larger overall volume while distributing mechanical stress across multiple structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Protruding ribs are added in the vertical dimension of the drawer body, extending from the front surface toward the rear. This dimensional addition creates multiple load-bearing surfaces that intercept and distribute vertical loads from the roller, transforming a single-point load into a distributed load across multiple ribs and surfaces.
2Strength
If reinforcing structures are added to the drawer body to increase strength, then the structural integrity improves, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to exposed reinforcing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding ribs serve dual functions: they provide structural reinforcement to distribute loads and prevent damage, while simultaneously serving as aesthetic design elements of the drawer front surface. By making the reinforcing structure an integral part of the visible drawer design, the ribs transform from hidden support elements into functional decorative features that enhance both strength and appearance.
3Quantity of substance
If the load on the roller increases, then the storage capacity can be increased, but the risk of cracking or tearing in the storage part increases
Solution Approach 1:
Protruding ribs are pre-positioned on the drawer body at locations that will receive and distribute loads before the actual loading occurs. These ribs are strategically placed to intercept vertical loads from the roller and distribute them across multiple points on the drawer body, preventing stress concentrations that could lead to cracking or tearing during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
In a refrigerator according to the present disclosure, by forming one or more protruding ribs of which at least portions extend in a horizontal direction along an outer perimeter surface of a storage part into which a roller part is inserted, it is possible to block or distribute a load acting on a drawer in a vertical direction as much as possible.