Refrigerator Drawer Linkage for Upper Drawer Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In French-door refrigerators with multiple drawers, users cannot view the uppermost drawer when opening the door, leading to the assumption that it does not exist, which hinders convenience in accessing stored articles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an intermediate drawer that strikes the upper drawer upon opening, allowing it to move forward and be recognized by the user, while the lower drawer and intermediate drawer move together, enabling sequential access to all drawers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple drawers are installed inside a drawer type door, then storage capacity and organization are improved, but the uppermost drawer becomes invisible and inaccessible to users
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate drawer is equipped with an actuator that proactively pushes the upper drawer forward when the door is opened, before the user can access it. This preliminary action ensures the upper drawer is positioned in a visible and accessible state, resolving the contradiction between having multiple storage drawers and maintaining ease of access to the uppermost drawer.
2Volume of moving object
If the upper drawer is positioned high for storage optimization, then storage space utilization is improved, but the user cannot view or access it while standing
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate drawer acts as a mediator between the lower drawer and the upper drawer. When the door opens, the intermediate drawer's actuator pushes the upper drawer forward, making it visible and accessible to the user. This intermediary mechanism allows the upper drawer to be positioned high for optimal storage while still being detectable and accessible when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet provided with a storage compartment, a lower drawer provided in the cabinet and connected to the door, an upper drawer provided in the cabinet, and positioned over the lower drawer, and an intermediate drawer positioned between the upper drawer and the lower drawer. The lower drawer includes a first stopper. The intermediate drawer includes an actuator movable forwards by the first stopper of the lower drawer when the door is opened, to move the upper drawer.