Refrigerator Drawer Roller Structure for Smooth Upper Box Withdrawal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs face challenges in smoothly inserting and withdrawing the second storage box, which is mounted on top of the first drawer-type storage box, due to its limited utility and movement restrictions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a roller device and a rail device within the refrigerator, where the roller device includes first and second roller members and supporting parts to facilitate rolling motion, and the rail device features rack gears and pinion gears with specific tooth configurations to minimize noise and ensure smooth operation of the first storage box, while a buffer member and rail system aid in the smooth withdrawal and insertion of both storage boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the second storage box is mounted on top of the first storage box, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited withdrawal distance
Solution Approach 1:
The second storage box is designed to move dynamically between a stored position (resting on the first storage box) and a withdrawn position (extended outward). The roller members enable this dynamic transformation, allowing the second storage box to be pulled out beyond the front surface of the first storage box when needed, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining compact storage when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the second storage box is fixed on the first storage box, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to move
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first and second storage boxes is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. Roller members are provided between these boxes, enabling the second storage box to move relative to the first while maintaining stable support during both stored and withdrawn states.
Solution Approach 2:
Roller members are introduced as intermediary elements between the first and second storage boxes. These rollers facilitate smooth movement and reduce friction, allowing the second storage box to be easily withdrawn and returned while maintaining stable support when stored.
3Ease of operation
If a roller device is introduced to enable rolling motion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Roller members are introduced as intermediary elements between the first and second storage boxes. These rollers facilitate smooth movement and reduce friction, allowing the second storage box to be easily withdrawn and returned while maintaining stable support when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller members are positioned at multiple locations (front ends and rear end) of the second storage box in a homogeneous distribution pattern. This ensures uniform support and smooth rolling motion throughout the entire withdrawal and insertion process, preventing tilting or binding.
4Ease of operation
If the second storage box can be withdrawn further, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that provides different constraints in different directions. The rails allow free movement in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back) for withdrawal and insertion, while providing lateral constraints to prevent side-to-side movement, creating directional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rails are introduced as intermediary elements between the second storage box and the refrigerator body. These rails facilitate smooth longitudinal movement while constraining lateral displacement, enabling the second storage box to be withdrawn further without compromising stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for the smooth and efficient insertion and withdrawal of both storage boxes, reducing operational noise and enhancing user convenience by distributing the load and preventing lateral movement, thereby improving the overall usability of the refrigerator's storage compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a roller device to enable the rolling motion of the second storage box on the first storage box
Implementation Method 2
a rail device includes rack gears and pinion gears with specific tooth configurations
Implementation Method 3
the rail device features rack gears and pinion gears with specific tooth configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator having a first storage box inserted and withdrawn like a drawer in association with a door, a second storage box seated and rolled on an upper part of the first storage box, and a roller device to enable the rolling motion of the second storage box on the first storage box. The roller device includes a first roller member mounted to the second storage box, a first roller supporting part formed at the first storage box to support a rolling motion of the first roller member thereon, a second roller member mounted to the first storage box, and a second roller supporting part formed at the second storage box to support the rolling motion of the second roller member thereon. The second storage box may be smoothly moved since the load of the second storage box is distributed to the first and second roller members.