refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators experience trembling and noise issues when drawers are inserted or pulled out due to their design, and existing solutions do not adequately address these problems.

Innovation Solution

A supporting frame with an elastically deformable fixer is integrated into the refrigerator, which guides the drawer's movement and is easily installed by being fixed to a projection on the inner case, reducing trembling and noise through elastic deformation and restitution forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a drawer is formed as a separate part from the inner case, then the drawer can be easily inserted and removed, but the drawer trembles from side to side and generates noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer insertion and removalVSAvoiddrawer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A supporting frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the drawer and the inner case. The supporting frame includes guide ribs that engage with corresponding grooves to guide drawer movement and prevent side-to-side trembling, while the drawer can still be easily inserted and removed through the supporting frame's open structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a supporting frame is added to guide drawer movement and reduce noise, then drawer stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer stabilityVSAvoidsupporting frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting frame is segmented into distinct functional components: guide ribs for movement guidance, fixation protrusions for secure attachment, and elastic fixers for flexible mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting frame utilizes elastic fixers made from flexible materials that can deform during installation and then maintain a fixed position. This flexibility simplifies the installation process and reduces the need for complex fastening mechanisms, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If a fixer with elastic deformation capability is used for installation, then the installation process becomes easier, but the fixer structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidfixer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixer utilizes elastic deformation, changing its physical state from deformed during insertion to restored after placement. This parameter change (elastic deformation) allows the fixer to be easily installed by simply pushing it into place, where it then automatically secures itself without requiring complex fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The supporting frame effectively reduces drawer trembling and noise by stabilizing the drawer's movement and ensuring secure installation, enhancing the overall operation and installation process of the refrigerator.

Implementation Method 1

The supporting frame is equipped with an elastically deformable fixer, by which the supporting frame may be easily inserted and fixed to a projection formed at the inner case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4042080B1refrigerator
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4042080B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042080B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4042080B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a refrigerator having a supporting frame whose installation structure is enhanced. The refrigerator includes an inner case defining a storeroom and having a projection formed to protrude to the inside of the storeroom, a drawer arranged to be inserted or pulled out from the storeroom, and a supporting frame arranged in the storeroom to guide movements of the drawer, and installed at the projection, wherein the supporting frame includes a fixer arranged on a side of the supporting frame to prevent the supporting frame from deviating from the projection, the fixer being deformed when pressurized by the projection and restored to an original state when the pressure from the projection is released.