Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with extractable containers lack an efficient and variable partition system to optimize storage space utilization for different types of food, leading to inefficient organization and potential mixing of items.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with an extractable container equipped with a partition unit featuring a rectangular frame, sliding partition members, and guide members with rollers, allowing for adjustable division of the storage space to accommodate various food items, enhancing user convenience and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a partition system is added to divide storage space, then storage organization and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition system is divided into multiple independent partition members that can be individually adjusted. Each partition member includes sliding components and guide members, allowing the storage space to be segmented into multiple adjustable sections. This segmentation enables flexible organization of different food items while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with sliding mechanisms that allow users to adjust the position and configuration of partitions based on storage needs. The guide members enable smooth movement while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic design provides adaptability for different storage scenarios without requiring a complex fixed partition structure.
2Ease of operation
If sliding partition members are used for adjustable storage, then ease of operation is improved, but friction and potential damage to items increase
Solution Approach 1:
Guide members are introduced as intermediary components between the sliding partition members and the storage chamber walls. These guide members provide a controlled interface that reduces direct friction and prevents the partition members from contacting and scratching the storage chamber. The intermediaries facilitate smooth movement while protecting against harmful friction effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism incorporates rolling elements or low-friction surfaces to replace high-friction mechanical contact. By substituting the sliding interface with a lower-friction mechanism, the system achieves easier operation while minimizing friction-induced wear and potential damage to stored items.
3Shape
If the conveying unit is hidden to enhance aesthetics, then appearance is improved, but ease of operation may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members and sliding mechanisms are extracted or separated from the main storage chamber space, allowing them to be positioned in locations that do not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the storage area. The functional components are isolated to specific zones, maintaining a clean and tidy appearance while preserving full operational functionality through proper spatial arrangement.
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 partition unit efficiently divides the storage space, improving user convenience by allowing customizable storage configurations, reducing friction and scratches, and enhancing aesthetics by hiding the conveying unit, thus optimizing storage and minimizing damage to items.
Implementation Method 1
the slide members may each include a roller received in the guide groove to be in rolling-contact with an inside of the guide groove
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator including an extractable container (20), and a conveying unit (60) formed in an inner space of a vertical wall of the extractable container (20). The conveying unit (60) includes a guide part to guide the movement of a partition member (50) that divides a storage space of the extractable container (20), and a fixing part to restrict the movement of the partition member (50).