refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties accessing and using upper shelves in refrigerators due to visibility and accessibility issues, with concerns about items tipping or falling, and existing solutions do not adequately address noise reduction and durability during shelf movement.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a rear shelf, a front shelf that rotates down about an axis at the rear shelf, and an interlocking mechanism with gears to maintain orientation, along with a non-slip mat and elastic members to prevent items from falling and reduce impact during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a multiple layer structure is used to increase storage capacity, then the quantity of stored goods increases, but the accessibility and visibility of upper shelves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the front shelf movable rather than fixed. The front shelf can be pulled forward and rotated downward about the rear shelf axis, transforming from a static obstacle to a dynamic access mechanism. This allows users to easily reach upper shelves by simply moving the front shelf forward, eliminating the need to reach over or climb to access items on upper shelves while maintaining the multi-layer storage structure.
2Ease of operation
If the front shelf is made movable to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation improves, but the stability of items on the shelf deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a guard that can be positioned in advance to prevent items from falling or tipping over. The guard is configured to extend beyond the front edge of the shelf, creating a protective barrier before items can potentially fall. This preliminary protective measure counteracts the instability risk introduced by making the shelf movable, allowing users to access items safely while items remain protected during both stationary and moving states.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf is made movable to enhance accessibility, then the ease of operation improves, but the noise and impact during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating damping elements and cushioning structures at the hinge connection between the front and rear shelves, and at the guide rails. These elements are pre-installed to absorb and reduce impact forces and noise generated during shelf movement. The cushioning mechanisms are positioned in advance at critical impact points, ensuring that noise and harmful vibrations are minimized throughout the entire range of motion without affecting the accessibility benefit.
4Device complexity
If the shelf structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then the device complexity decreases, but the durability during movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shelf system into distinct functional modules: a fixed rear shelf providing structural support, a movable front shelf for accessibility, a guard for item protection, and separate damping elements. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a cohesive system. The segmentation reduces overall complexity by breaking down the complex moving shelf problem into manageable, independently optimizable parts, while maintaining durability through specialized design of each segment.
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
Enhances user convenience by improving accessibility, preventing items from tipping or falling, reducing noise and impact during shelf movement, and maintaining durability, while allowing for adjustable shelf positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The interlocking mechanism may comprise a first gear that is located at the connection bar, and a second gear that is located at the guard that is configured to rotate the guard in the second direction and the connection bar in the first direction by engaging the first gear.
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerator may comprise an elastic member that is located at a lower end of the protrusion member guide rail and that is connected to the guide protrusion member.
Implementation Method 3
A non-slip mat that is located on a top surface of the front shelf
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator including, a rear shelf that is located in an inner case, a front shelf that is located closer to the open front of the storage compartment than the rear shelf, a guard that is rotatably connected to the front shelf, and a front shelf lifting device that is configured to rotate the front shelf down about an axis at the rear shelf based on the guard moving up, wherein the front shelf lifting device is configured to maintain an orientation of the front shelf during rotation. The front shelf lifting device comprises a connection bar that is configured to connect the front shelf and the rear shelf, and an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism comprises a first gear and a second gear. The guard comprises a side guard and a front guard, wherein the side guard is hinged to the front shelf. The second gear is located at the side guard. An end of the connection bar that faces a lateral surface of the front shelf is hinged to the front shelf. The first gear is located at an end of the connection bar that faces a lateral surface of the front shelf and is adjacent to the second gear. A diameter of the second gear is greater than a diameter of the first gear. The front shelf includes a guide protrusion member, and the inner case includes a protrusion member guide rail that is configured to guide a sliding movement of the guide protrusion member. 11. In addition, the refrigerator comprises an elastic member, a protruding part, and a non-slip mat. The rear shelf includes a connection bar guide rail. A rear shelf guide is located in the inner case and is configured to guide a sliding movement of the rear shelf.