Refrigerator having an intermediate base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration devices require complex and costly processes to vary storage space, as shelves or intermediate floors are difficult to insert or remove, limiting flexible and space-efficient storage options.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration device with rotatable refrigerated goods holding brackets mounted on the intermediate floor, allowing for easy adjustment and space-saving configuration, featuring interlocking sprockets for coupling and U-shaped holders for secure attachment, enabling flexible and cost-effective expansion of storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shelves or intermediate floors are inserted or removed to vary storage space, then storage flexibility is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space variationVSAvoidinsertion/removal mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into modular components: the intermediate floor and detachable holding brackets. Each bracket can be independently attached or detached from the intermediate floor, allowing flexible reconfiguration of storage space without complex mechanisms. The brackets are segmented into functional parts (holding section, attachment section) that can be separately assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding brackets are designed to be extractable from the intermediate floor structure. They can be removed and repositioned independently, allowing users to vary storage configurations by taking out and relocating individual brackets rather than moving entire shelves or floors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotatable holding brackets are added to increase storage options, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage configurationVSAvoidbracket mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding brackets incorporate rotatable elements that can dynamically adjust their orientation and position. The brackets can rotate between different angular positions to accommodate various item shapes and sizes, providing adaptive storage configurations through simple rotational movement rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding brackets are designed as multi-functional elements that can perform multiple storage functions. Each bracket can hold different types of refrigerated goods (bottles, containers, packages) by rotating to appropriate orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized storage components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple attachment mechanisms are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability of attachment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment mechanismVSAvoidbracket attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The attachment section combines securing, positioning, and detachment functions in one structure, using simple geometric interlocking features rather than complex fastening systems. This reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable attachment through combined functional design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-securing through geometric interlocking features that automatically engage and lock the brackets to the intermediate floor. The design uses self-aligning features and friction-based holding that require no additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, ensuring reliable attachment while simplifying manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2606299B1Refrigerator having an intermediate base
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2606299B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2606299B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2606299B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A refrigerator has an intermediate base (120) for subdividing a storage area in the refrigerator, and also two holding clips (130) for products to be refrigerated, which holding clips are mounted on the intermediate base (120) such that they can rotate in opposite directions of rotation.