Refrigerator Drawer Snap Structure to Reduce Assembly Scrap Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator drawers face challenges in ease of assembly and disassembly, with high scrap rates due to complex structures and frequent mold changes, particularly in split structures with numerous snaps that are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A detachable snap structure featuring L-shaped raised ribs and grooves allows for rotational assembly and disassembly, reducing the number of snaps and enhancing ease of use, with a split structure design that decreases production costs and improves mold versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a split structure with numerous snaps is used to allow easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high scrap rate and snap damage
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer body is divided into multiple panels that can be detached and reassembled. The baffle is segmented into front, rear, left, and right portions. This segmentation allows easy assembly and disassembly while reducing the number of snaps needed compared to conventional split structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using protruding snaps that protrude outward and are prone to damage, the patent uses recessed snap structures where the snap is embedded in the panel. The snap engages with a corresponding groove in the drawer body, inverting the conventional approach and protecting the snap from external damage.
2Reliability
If an integral structure is used for the drawer body and baffle, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to detach for processing
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer body is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, left panel, right panel) that can be independently detached. The baffle is segmented into front, rear, left, and right portions. This allows individual panels to be removed for processing or replacement while maintaining the overall structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap structure and groove design are made universal across different panels and the drawer body, allowing any panel to be detached and reattached in the same or different positions. This multi-functional design enables easy maintenance, cleaning, and reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a split structure with frequent mold changes is used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to production troubles
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer body panels and baffle portions are designed with standardized snap and groove interfaces that can accommodate different panel designs. This universality allows a single mold to produce panels for multiple drawer configurations, reducing the need for frequent mold changes while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer body is segmented into standardized panels that can be produced separately and assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows for efficient production using standardized molds while enabling adaptability in final assembly for different drawer designs and specifications.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A refrigerator drawer and a refrigerator are provided. The refrigerator drawer includes a drawer body (1), in the shape of a box having a front opening and an upper opening; and a baffle (2), fitted with the drawer body (1) through a detachable snap structure.