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, leading to reduced storage capacity when additional components are added, which compromises storage efficiency and makes it difficult to maintain existing space.
Innovation Solution
A receiving unit is integrated into a partition wall to isolate storage spaces, featuring a receiver door with elastic restoring force and a speed controller to minimize space requirements, facilitate door movement, and prevent foreign substances from entering the transfer unit, allowing for additional storage without reducing the predetermined space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional receiving components (shelves, drawers) are added to the storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but the volume of existing components must be reduced or number reduced, worsening storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving component is nested within the partition wall structure, with the door mechanism integrated into the wall thickness. This allows the receiving component to occupy space that would otherwise be structural, effectively nesting the functional element within the structural element without increasing overall refrigerator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving component utilizes the thickness dimension of the partition wall for its depth, rather than occupying additional horizontal or vertical space. By transitioning from a three-dimensional volume occupation to utilizing the wall thickness dimension, the component adds storage capacity without reducing the volume available for other storage elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number or volume of drawers and shelves is reduced to install a new receiving component, then installation is enabled, but the drawers or shelves cannot accommodate the designed amount of storage objects, worsening storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving component is localized to a specific region within the partition wall, creating a dedicated small storage space in that local area. This allows the rest of the storage space to maintain its original design and capacity, while only the local region where the component is installed experiences any structural modification.
3Quantity of substance
If a receiving component is added to the storage space, then additional storage is provided, but a portion of storage space must be used for installation, reducing the amount of storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving component is merged with the partition wall structure, combining the structural function of the wall with the storage function of the component. This integration allows the component to be supported by the wall structure rather than requiring separate mounting space, effectively combining two functions into one structural element.
4Ease of operation
If the door mechanism is designed with elastic restoring force and speed controller, then door operation is facilitated and space requirement is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic restoring force mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the door to its closed position without requiring manual intervention. The door mechanism serves itself by using the elastic element to generate the restoring force needed for operation, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the door and the mounting structure, mediating the force transmission and providing the restoring force. This intermediary component simplifies the overall mechanism by decoupling the door movement from complex actuation systems, allowing for a more compact and simpler design.
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 provides a refrigerator with enhanced storage efficiency by minimizing space usage, maintaining existing storage capacity, and ensuring stable door operation while preventing foreign substances from entering the transfer unit, thus maintaining storage efficiency and design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic-force provider configured to provide the receiver door with restoring force when the receiver door is moved in order to open the receiver
Implementation Method 2
a transfer unit including a speed controller configured to reduce a moving speed of the receiver door when the receiver door is moved in order to close the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator may include a partition wall that isolate a first storage compartment from a second storage compartment. A third storage compartment is provided in the partition wall to be recessed downwards from an upper surface of the partition wall. An opening is formed on the upper surface to allow storage objects to be placed into the storage space. A door covers the opening of the third storage compartment and is configured to be moved in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the partition wall to selectively open or close the opening. An elastic-force assembly may apply a restoring force to the door when the door is moved to open the third storage compartment. A slide assembly that guides movement of the door may include a speed dampener that reduces a speed of the door when the door is moved to close the third storage compartment.