Refrigerator Folding Shelf Layout for Ice Maker Side Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges in efficiently utilizing storage space in the cooling chamber due to the presence of an ice maker, making it difficult to store products of great height and resulting in low storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A folding shelf that can be rotated from a vertical to a horizontal position is integrated into the refrigerator, allowing for efficient use of space next to the ice maker, with a shelf supporting member and locking mechanism to secure the shelf in place, and an adhesive device to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a shelf is installed next to the ice maker, then storage space utilization is improved, but products having great height cannot be stored
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be rotatable between a horizontal position (for storing products) and a vertical position (for accessing tall items). This dynamic transformation allows the shelf structure to adapt its configuration based on storage needs, resolving the contradiction between maximizing storage utilization and accommodating tall products.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal surface to a one-dimensional vertical element through rotation. This dimensional change enables the same structural component to serve dual purposes: providing storage surface area when horizontal and creating vertical clearance when rotated upright.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf is made rotatable to improve storage flexibility, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf structure is divided into separable components including the shelf body, support arms, and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly, making the rotatable mechanism more manageable despite its functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable shelf mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides adjustable storage surfaces, creates vertical clearance for tall items, and can be positioned at different heights. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering versatile storage solutions that would require multiple separate components in a conventional fixed shelf design.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an ice maker disposed at one side of a storage chamber for storing food, a folding shelf disposed at the ice maker to be folded in a vertical direction or unfolded in a horizontal direction to efficiently use a space formed on the side of the ice maker, a shelf supporting member fixed to the ice maker to rotatably support the folding shelf, and a locking part disposed at the shelf supporting member to support the folding shelf when the folding shelf is unfolded to be arranged in a horizontal direction. When the folding shelf disposed in the storage chamber is folded in a vertical direction, there is formed a space capable of storing containers or food products having a great height. When the folding shelf is unfolded in a horizontal direction, containers or food products having a small height may be put on the folding shelf. Thus, a storage space of the refrigerator may be more efficiently used.