Refrigerator Lifting Shelf Mechanism for Vertical Space Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators have fixed shelves that limit storage flexibility due to unsuitable height adjustments, leading to low space utilization and difficulties in accessing high-level shelves, especially in multi-door models with high capacity demands.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a lifting shelf mechanism, including a driving motor, gear transmission, and traction cable system, allowing the shelf to move up and down, along with a shelf stroke detection device for precise positioning and an emergency stop mechanism to prevent obstruction, enhancing user experience and storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shelves are used with limited height adjustment, then the refrigerator structure is simple and stable, but the storage flexibility and space utilization are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed shelf structure into a movable one. The shelf is equipped with a lifting mechanism that allows it to move vertically along guide rails, enabling dynamic adjustment of shelf position according to storage needs. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability while maintaining structural stability through the guide rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a shelf system that can serve multiple functions: storing items of various sizes, providing adjustable height positions, and enabling easy access to high-level items. The movable shelf structure allows a single shelf to adapt to different storage scenarios, improving versatility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Volume of stationary object
If the refrigerator height is increased to provide high capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the difficulty in accessing high-level shelves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the shelf movable rather than fixed. The lifting mechanism allows users to easily lower high-level shelves to accessible heights, maintaining large storage capacity while improving ease of access. The guide rail system ensures smooth and controlled movement, making operation simple despite the increased refrigerator height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the lifting device with motor, cable, and pulley system) between the user and the high-level shelf. This intermediary enables easy access to high items by mechanically moving the shelf to a lower position, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high storage capacity and ensuring ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liner ribs are reserved for shelf adjustment, then the shelf position can be adjusted, but the height between shelves remains fixed and unsuitable for articles with different volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static liner rib adjustment system with a dynamic lifting mechanism. Instead of relying on fixed liner ribs at predetermined positions, the shelf can be moved continuously along the guide rails to any height position, providing superior adaptability for storing articles of different volumes while simplifying the overall support structure.
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
The lifting shelf mechanism improves storage flexibility and accessibility, allowing for better utilization of vertical space and easier retrieval of items from high levels, enhancing user convenience and storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a driving motor, where the driving motor outputs a torque by a driving output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a gear transmission mechanism, where the gear transmission mechanism includes at least one group of transmission gears
Implementation Method 3
a guide rail fixed in the storage compartment, where the guide rail is slidably connected to a support piece on the guide rail
Implementation Method 4
a traction cable, where the traction cable is wound around the first pulley, and the other end of the traction cable is fixedly connected with the support piece
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a refrigerator with a lifting shelf, including a lifting shelf, a shelf driving mechanism, and a shelf stroke detection device. The shelf driving mechanism includes: a driving motor and a gear transmission mechanism, where the gear transmission mechanism includes at least one group of transmission gears, the driving motor outputs a torque through a driving output shaft, and a first pulley is disposed on the driving output shaft; a guide rail slidably connected to a support piece on the guide rail, wherein the lifting shelf is fixedly connected with the support piece; and a traction cable, where the traction cable is wound around the first pulley, and the other end of the traction cable is fixedly connected with the support piece.