Refrigerator and folding guide device provided therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with auxiliary storage compartments lack adequate space and structure for temporarily holding retrieved items, especially when items are deep inside the storage compartment or need to be transferred to another container, due to limited space and structural constraints.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a support system that can change positions between unfolded and folded states, integrated with a folding guide device, allowing the support to be automatically positioned by the door's opening and closing operation, using a slider and conversion outputter to apply linear and rotational forces for smooth movement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support structure is provided inside the storage compartment, then items can be temporarily held, but the storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed to be movable between a folded state (stored within the storage compartment) and an unfolded state (extending outward to provide holding surface). This dynamic configuration allows the support to provide temporary holding capability when needed while minimizing storage space occupation when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The support extends from the storage compartment door in a direction perpendicular to the main storage space, utilizing the door's external surface area. This dimensional approach allows the holding function to be provided outside the main storage volume, effectively increasing space utilization
2Volume of stationary object
If the support is made movable between folded and unfolded positions, then space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support's folding and unfolding is automatically triggered by the door's opening and closing operations. The door's movement itself provides the force needed to transition the support between positions, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The folding guide device integrates the support mechanism with the door structure, combining two functions (door operation and support positioning) into a single integrated system. This reduces overall complexity by eliminating independent control systems
3Ease of operation
If the support is automatically positioned by door operation, then user convenience is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door's own movement serves as the actuating force for the support positioning system. The closing operation naturally drives the support to the folded position while the opening operation allows it to return to the unfolded position, creating a self-service mechanism that requires no additional power source or control system
Solution Approach 2:
The folding guide device acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the door's linear movement into the support's folding motion. This mediator component simplifies the overall system by providing a straightforward mechanical linkage rather than requiring complex actuators
4Ease of operation
If the support is unfolded outward from the storage compartment, then holding capability is improved, but the structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, being firmly anchored when folded (maintaining structural stability) and controllably extended when unfolded (providing holding capability). The folding guide device ensures smooth, controlled transitions that maintain stability throughout the movement cycle
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
Provides a convenient holding structure for temporarily placing items, enhancing user experience by allowing automatic unfolding and folding of the support with the door operation, while preventing shock and ensuring smooth movement, thus improving usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic pressurizer that provides an elastic force applied in a direction that allows the support to tilt outward from the storage compartment
Implementation Method 2
a damper that provides a damping force for reducing the rotational force in the other direction input to the conversion outputter
Implementation Method 3
a folding guide device interlinked with the closing operation of the door to apply a pressure for changing the position of the support at the unfolded position to the folded position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a refrigerator and a folding guide device provided therein. The refrigerator includes a body including a storage compartment, a door that opens and closes the storage compartment, a support provided to be changeable in position to an unfolded position to be unfolded outward from the storage compartment and a folded position to be folded in the storage compartment, a folding guide device interlinked with an opening and closing operation of the door to apply a rotational force for changing the position of the support to the support. Here, the folding guide device includes a slider pressurized by the door and linearly moved, and a conversion outputter provided to connect the slider with the support and configured to convert a linear force input by the slider that linearly moves into a rotational force for changing the position of the support and output the rotational force.