refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators face challenges in efficiently utilizing storage space due to limitations in the number and volume of shelves and drawers, which restrict the addition of new receiving components without compromising storage capacity, leading to decreased storage efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A receiving unit is integrated into the refrigerator, featuring a depressed partition wall with an introduction port, allowing for additional storage space without reducing existing compartment volumes, and a receiver door that opens and closes horizontally to facilitate easy access and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number or volume of drawers and shelves is increased to improve storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but the volume of the storage space available for other receiving components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstorage space volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is integrated into the partition wall structure, utilizing the vertical dimension and wall thickness space that would otherwise be unused. This allows adding receiving functionality without occupying horizontal storage space that would compete with drawers and shelves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is nested within the partition wall structure, with the partition wall serving as both a structural divider and a container for the receiver. This nested configuration allows the receiver to occupy space that would otherwise be structural overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a new receiving component is added to the storage space, then storage versatility is improved, but the volume of existing drawers and shelves is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiving component versatilityVSAvoiddrawer and shelf volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The new receiving component (receiver) is placed in the vertical dimension within the partition wall, rather than competing for horizontal storage volume. This dimensional separation allows adding versatility without reducing existing drawer and shelf volumes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is localized to a specific region within the partition wall, creating a specialized receiving zone that does not interfere with the general storage function of drawers and shelves. This local integration maintains overall storage capacity while adding specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If the distance between shelves and drawers is reduced to maximize storage space utilization, then storage density is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage densityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver provides an additional access point at a different vertical level, allowing users to access stored items without reaching across or removing other components. This vertical distribution of access points maintains accessibility while increasing overall storage density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3358284B1refrigerator
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3358284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3358284B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3358284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a structure of a receptacle apparatus, which enables efficient utilization of a space for storing an object to be refrigerated or an object to be frozen, and a door or a cover which is for opening or closing the receptacle apparatus. Provided is a refrigerator, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a first storage chamber provided above a cabinet; a second storage chamber positioned below the first storage chamber; a partition wall which is for partitioning the first storage chamber and second storage chamber vertically and of which the upper surface maintains a level position; an accommodation unit recessed downward from the upper side of the partition wall, forming a receptacle space and having an input port, into which an object to be stored is input, formed on the upper part thereof; an accommodation unit door provided so as to be movable in the direction parallel to the upper side of the partition wall and for selectively opening or closing the input port; and a position fixing unit provided on the rear of the accommodation unit door and for restraining the movement of the door when the accommodation unit door moves backward and opens the input port.