refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges with drawer interference and load distribution, leading to deformation and reduced storage capacity due to complex and heavy storage frames, as well as interrupted air circulation and user inconvenience in accessing stored items.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a withdrawal unit that automatically moves drawers forward when the door opens, using a separate base part connected to the door and a rear frame to push the drawers, allowing the drawer guide to support the load while the withdrawal unit only moves the drawers, and includes a return unit for automatic drawer return when the door closes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the storage frame structure is designed to bear all loads from shelves and drawers, then the load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but the structure becomes complicated and heavier, reducing storage compartment capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing function from the drawer moving function. The storage frame is segmented into load-bearing components (fixed at rear) and non-load-bearing moving components (drawer guide). This allows the storage frame to be simpler and lighter while still supporting all loads through the dedicated load-bearing structure.
2Ease of operation
If the link connects to the bottom surface of the door to move the storage frame, then the drawer can be withdrawn automatically, but bending moments and shearing forces cause deformation of the storage frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the drawer guide and assigns it to the storage frame and drawer guide combination. The drawer guide becomes a non-load-bearing component that only guides movement, while the storage frame and drawer guide together support all loads. This eliminates the harmful bending moments and shearing forces on the storage frame.
3Ease of operation
If the rail supports all loads from the storage frame, then the storage frame can move smoothly, but the rail and storage frame are prone to deformation and wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function from the movement guidance function. The drawer guide provides stable load support while the rail only provides movement guidance. This separation allows the rail to be lighter and simpler while maintaining smooth movement, and the storage frame remains stable under load.
4Quantity of substance
If the drawer is positioned deeper in the storage compartment to increase capacity, then storage capacity increases, but user accessibility to rear stored items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically moving the drawer forward when the door opens, positioning rear stored items within easy reach before the user needs to access them. This eliminates the need for users to dip into deep storage compartments and makes all stored items easily accessible.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet that includes a storage compartment. The refrigerator further includes a door. The refrigerator further includes a drawer. The refrigerator further includes a drawer guide that is configured to support the drawer and that is configured to guide the drawer based on the drawer moving forward and backward. The refrigerator further includes a withdrawal unit that is configured to push the drawer forward based on the door opening. The withdrawal unit includes a base part that is located under the drawer, that is configured to move forward based on the door opening, and that is configured to move backward based on the door closing. The withdrawal unit further includes a rear frame that extends from the base part to a rear side of the drawer and that is configured to push the drawer forward based on the base part moving forward.