refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing refrigerators, the home bar door and foldable shelf are connected, causing the shelf to move when the home bar door opens, leading to beverages or food containers falling.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design where the second door, used for accessing a storage space without opening the main door, is connected to a shelf via a connection module that allows the shelf to unfold and fold automatically, preventing movement when the second door is opened or closed, and ensuring the shelf remains stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the home bar door and foldable shelf are connected, then the shelf can be accessed automatically when the door opens, but the shelf moves when the door opens causing beverages to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the door and shelf is segmented into two independent phases: first the door opens to access the storage space, then the shelf unfolds separately. This is achieved through a connection module with a pressing protrusion that releases the shelf after door opening, allowing the shelf to unfold without moving during door opening, thus preventing beverages from falling while maintaining automatic access functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module performs a preliminary action by maintaining the shelf in a locked position during door opening, then automatically releases and unfolds the shelf after the door has fully opened. This preliminary locking action ensures shelf stability during the critical door opening phase, preventing beverages from falling while still enabling automatic shelf access
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf is connected to the home bar door, then the shelf unfolds when the door opens, but the shelf cannot remain stable when items are placed on it
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf connection system transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic two-phase operation: during door opening the shelf remains locked and stable, then after door opening the shelf dynamically unfolds to an extended position where it can support items. The connection module enables this dynamic transition, allowing the shelf to be stable when needed (during door opening) and adaptable (unfolding to provide access)
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module acts as an intermediary between the door and shelf, mediating their interaction. It includes a pressing protrusion that maintains the shelf in a locked position during door opening, then releases it to allow unfolding. This intermediary mechanism ensures the shelf remains stable during door opening while still enabling it to unfold for item placement
3Volume of moving object
If the shelf is folded toward the accommodation space when the door closes, then space is saved, but the shelf may collide with items during folding
Solution Approach 1:
Before the shelf folds toward the accommodation space when the door closes, items are preliminarily removed from the shelf or the shelf is emptied. This preliminary action prevents collision between the folding shelf and items, while still allowing the shelf to fold for space savings. The control unit coordinates this sequence to ensure safety
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet forming a storage space; a first door rotatably coupled to a front surface of the cabinet to open or close the storage space, and having an open portion formed therein; a second door rotatably connected to the first door at a front surface of the first door; a shelf rotatably mounted in the open portion; and a connection module provided in the first door and connected to a rotary shaft of the shelf to enable the shelf to be unfolded forward when the second door is opened and to stand to be folded when the second door is closed.