Refrigerator Partition Frame with Cam-Driven Adjustable Division

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices in refrigerators lack flexibility in dividing accommodation cavities to accommodate different types of food items efficiently, leading to clutter and difficulty in retrieval, and existing partition frames are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a regulating assembly that includes a first and second partition frame, connected through a cam structure allowing for adjustable division of the cavity, enabling the device to switch between folded and unfolded states for varying storage needs, with elastic driving forces ensuring easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a partition frame is used to divide the accommodation cavity, then the storage organization is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly/disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage organizationVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition frame is divided into multiple independent partition boards that can be separately installed and adjusted. Each partition board can be independently positioned to create flexible storage compartments, allowing users to organize food items according to their specific needs without dealing with a complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition boards are designed to be movable and adjustable along the side walls of the storage device. This dynamic configuration allows the partition spacing to be changed according to different storage requirements, transforming a static partition structure into a flexible, adaptable system that can be easily reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If partition frames are used to divide the accommodation cavity, then storage division is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to fixed partition spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartition divisionVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition boards are designed with movable features that allow them to be easily repositioned along the side walls. Users can adjust the position of each partition board independently to create custom compartment sizes, transforming fixed partition spaces into dynamic, adjustable configurations that adapt to different storage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The partition spacing and compartment dimensions can be changed by adjusting the position of partition boards. This parameter adjustment capability allows users to optimize the storage configuration for different types and quantities of food items, improving operational flexibility without requiring a complete restructuring of the partition system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a complicated assembly structure is used for partition frames, then structural stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The partition frame structure is segmented into independent partition boards that can be manufactured separately using simple processes. Each partition board is a discrete component that can be easily produced and then assembled into the final configuration, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition boards are designed with self-aligning or self-locking features that facilitate easy assembly without requiring complex tools or procedures. The simple modular design allows users to assemble and disassemble the partition structure themselves, reducing the need for specialized assembly processes while ensuring stable construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances flexibility in dividing the accommodation cavity, improves ease of assembly and disassembly, and prevents food items from sliding and becoming disorganized, thus making food storage more efficient and convenient.

Implementation Method 1

a cam structure, comprising a first concave-convex curved surface formed on the first regulating mechanism and a second concave-convex curved surface formed on the second regulating mechanism; when the first and second regulating mechanisms are rotated around the vertical axis with respect to each other, the second and first concave-convex curved surfaces are butted against each other, such that the first and second regulating mechanisms make reciprocating salutatory movements away from or close to each other in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

when the first and second regulating mechanisms are rotated with respect to each other around the vertical axis and the cam structures are not at the lowest engaging position, the regulating assembly is always subjected to an elastic driving force which drives the cam structures to tend to move to the lowest engaging position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3715754B1Storage device and refrigerator with storage device
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD
  • EP3715754B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3715754B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3715754B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention discloses a storage device and a refrigerator having the same. The storage device comprises a body, an regulating assembly, a first partition frame and a second partition frame, wherein the first partition frame is connected onto a pair of side walls of the body, the second partition frame is rotatably connected onto the first partition frame through the regulating assembly, the regulating assembly comprises: a first regulating mechanism fitted and connected with the first partition frame, on which a first concave-convex curved surface is formed; and a second regulating mechanism fitted and connected with the second partition frame, on which a second concave-convex curved surface is formed; when the first and second regulating mechanisms are relatively rotated, the first and second concave-convex curved surfaces are butted against each other to enable the first and second regulating mechanisms to reciprocate in the vertical direction.