Refrigerator Inner Case Segmentation for Increased Storage Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges in increasing storage compartment capacity without enlarging the body size and in providing easy visibility of stored items.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator design incorporates a plate-shaped inner case with a front frame and side panels, featuring a locking and elastic structure, and includes a light source system with LED diodes and a translucent cover for improved illumination, allowing for increased capacity and enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inner case is formed by injecting melted resin into a mold, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the storage compartment capacity is reduced due to inclined surfaces required for mold separation
Solution Approach 1:
The inner case is divided into multiple plate-shaped side panels (first, second, third, and fourth side panels) that are coupled to front and rear frames. This segmentation allows each panel to be flat and maximizes the storage compartment capacity without requiring inclined surfaces for mold separation, while still enabling efficient manufacturing through modular assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the side panels are formed with inclined surfaces for mold separation, then the manufacturing is easier, but the storage compartment capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner case is divided into multiple plate-shaped side panels (first, second, third, and fourth side panels) that are coupled to front and rear frames. This segmentation allows each panel to be flat and maximizes the storage compartment capacity without requiring inclined surfaces for mold separation, while still enabling efficient manufacturing through modular assembly.
3Device complexity
If conventional lighting is used in the storage compartment, then the device complexity is low, but the visibility of stored items is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A translucent cover is introduced as an intermediary element that diffuses light from LED sources throughout the storage compartment. This cover acts as a mediator that distributes light evenly across the interior space, significantly improving visibility of stored items while maintaining relatively simple lighting system complexity.
4Reliability
If the front frame and side panels are assembled with multiple coupling structures, then the structural reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structures integrate multiple functions into unified components. The front and rear frames serve both as structural supports and as coupling elements that directly connect the side panels through locking portions and grooves. This merging of functions provides reliable structural connection while minimizing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
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
This design enhances storage capacity and facilitates easier item inspection by providing comprehensive lighting within the storage compartment, ensuring even cooling and improved interior surface characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of side panels includes a locking portion formed by a part of the front end of the side panel being bent outward
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of side panels includes an elastic portion formed by a part of the rear end of the side panel being bent
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged to be spaced apart from each other on the substrate
Implementation Method 4
a light source cover configured to cover the light source accommodating portion
Implementation Method 5
the side panels may be fixed to the front coupling portion using an adhesive material
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including an inner case configured to form a storage compartment, wherein the inner case forms the storage compartment by combining side panels formed in a plate shape between a front frame and a rear panel so that a side surface of the storage compartment is not necessarily formed as an inclined surface, thereby further increasing a capacity of the storage compartment.