Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges with drawer interference and load distribution, leading to deformation and reduced storage capacity due to complex and heavy storage frame structures, as well as interrupted air circulation and user inconvenience in accessing stored items.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a withdrawal unit that moves drawers forward independently, with a rear frame structure that pushes drawers from the rear, reducing load on the withdrawal unit and allowing for automatic return, enhancing air circulation and user accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the storage frame structure is designed to bear all loads of shelves, drawers, and stored foods, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing function into separate components: the storage frame supports only the shelves and drawers, while a dedicated support leg structure bears the weight of stored foods. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs act as intermediary elements between the storage frame and the stored foods. These legs transfer the load of stored foods directly to the floor, preventing the storage frame from bearing this weight. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a separate load path that maintains strength without increasing frame complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the storage frame is designed to bear all loads, then the structural stability is improved, but the weight of the storage frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing responsibility is segmented between the storage frame and the support legs. The storage frame only carries the weight of shelves and drawers, while support legs carry the weight of stored foods. This segmentation significantly reduces the weight of the storage frame while maintaining structural stability through the combined support system.
Solution Approach 2:
Support legs serve as intermediary load-bearing elements that transfer the weight of stored foods to the floor. This intermediary structure allows the storage frame to remain lightweight while the overall system maintains stability through the distributed load path provided by the legs.
3Ease of operation
If the link is connected to the bottom surface of the door to move the storage frame, then the automatic withdrawal function is improved, but the storage frame experiences deformation due to bending moments and shearing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the withdrawal mechanism from the load-bearing storage frame. The link connected to the door operates a separate withdrawal mechanism that moves the storage frame horizontally, while the support legs maintain vertical load-bearing stability. This segmentation prevents the transmission of bending moments and shearing forces to the storage frame, eliminating deformation while preserving automatic withdrawal functionality.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the front end portions of drawers are disposed away from the front surface of the refrigerator body, then the interference between drawer and door-mounted components is reduced, but the user accessibility to stored foods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic withdrawal mechanism that automatically moves the storage frame forward when the door is opened. This dynamic adjustment allows the drawer to be positioned optimally during door operation (reducing interference) and automatically brought forward when needed (improving accessibility). The system adapts its position based on operational requirements rather than being fixed.
Data Source
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.