refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in automatically returning the receiving member to its pulled-in position without elastic force and maintaining the receiving member horizontal during pull-in and pull-out operations, while also preventing damage to the cover member and ensuring smooth cool air circulation.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator incorporates a guide rail system with inclined surfaces and rollers, a transmission unit, and a connection frame to automatically guide the receiving member to its completion position, keep it horizontal, and prevent cover member damage, while allowing for smooth cool air circulation through a gap between the cover and receiving members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic force of the elastic member is increased, then the receiving member is easily returned to the original position, but the force required to pull the receiving member increases and collision noise becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic member from the system entirely, replacing it with a guide rail system that uses gravity and inclined surfaces to achieve automatic return of the receiving member without requiring elastic force
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system creates a potential energy gradient through inclined surfaces, allowing the receiving member to automatically return to its original position by converting gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy, eliminating the need for elastic force
2Ease of operation
If elastic force of the elastic member is increased, then the receiving member is easily returned to the original position, but collision noise becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements at the ends of the guide rails that absorb the kinetic energy of the receiving member before it reaches the limit position, preventing hard collisions and reducing noise while still allowing easy return operation
3Ease of operation
If the receiving member is pulled out, then the cover member opens to expose the receiving space, but the cover member may be damaged without proper protection
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit is designed to automatically engage and disengage at appropriate positions during the pull-out and push-in operations, controlling the cover member's movement in advance to prevent damage before it can occur
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 solution enables automatic return of the receiving member to its pulled-in position without elastic force, maintains horizontal movement, prevents cover member damage, and ensures efficient cool air circulation, enhancing the operational efficiency and food freshness by minimizing temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a guide rail system with inclined surfaces and rollers, a transmission unit, and a connection frame to automatically guide the receiving member to its completion position
Implementation Method 2
a guide rail system with inclined surfaces and rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
A refrigerator includes: a cabinet including an inner case forming a storage chamber; and a pantry assembly (50) installed on both side walls of the inner case, in which the pantry assembly includes: a receiving member (510) which forms a receiving space (511) and can be pulled in and out from the storage chamber; a supporter assembly (530) connected to the receiving member, the supporter assembly to guide the pulling-in and out of the receiving member; and a cover member (580) connected to the supporter assembly, the cover member covering the receiving space, the cover member being movable in a direction opposite to the receiving member when the receiving member is pulled in and out. The receiving member includes: a first roller (525) installed close to a rear end portion of both side walls thereof. The supporter assembly includes: a supporter having a guide rail (540) forming a space for receiving the first roller.