Refrigerator Pivoting Drawer with Form-Fitting Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances lack an efficient and space-saving pivoting shutter device that can be easily attached and detached without requiring additional fastening means, complicating manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A swiveling shutter device with a fixing device that can be displaced in a pivoting plane, featuring a T-shaped displacement projection for form-fitting attachment, allowing the shutter to pivot between a fixing and open position without external protrusions, and comprising modular components for reduced parts and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pivoting shutter device uses a fixing device that protrudes from the pivoting plane to secure the shutter, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device utilizes the thickness dimension of the pivoting shutter by engaging with a recess that extends through the shutter thickness. This allows the fixing mechanism to be contained within the pivoting plane rather than protruding outward, maintaining fixation reliability while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is nested within the pivoting shutter structure itself, with the recess formed as an integral part of the shutter. This integration eliminates the need for separate protruding fixing components, thereby improving reliability through precise fitting while reducing overall device complexity.
2Strength
If the pivoting shutter device requires additional fastening means for attachment, then the fixation strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device and the pivoting shutter are merged into a single integrated component, with the recess formed as part of the shutter structure. This eliminates the need for separate fastening means while maintaining fixation strength through the interlocking geometry of the projection and recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting shutter structure itself provides the fixing mechanism through its integrated recess, eliminating the need for external fastening means. The design is self-contained, requiring no additional components for attachment, thereby improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining fixation strength.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing device is displaced in the pivoting plane to allow shutter movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintended movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is designed to be displaceable within the pivoting plane, allowing it to move from a fixed position that secures the shutter to a released position that allows operation. This dynamic positioning enables easy operation while maintaining position stability when fixed, as the displacement mechanism provides controlled movement rather than unintended shifting.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular a domestic refrigerator, having a storage device (14) and a pivoting drawer device (26). The pivoting drawer device (26) comprises at least one pivoting drawer (28) and at least one fixing device (30). The pivoting drawer (28) can be pivoted about a pivot axis (36) between a fixed position and an open position. The fixing device (30) can be moved on a pivot plane substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis (36). The pivoting drawer (28) has a protrusion (40) by means of which the fixing device (30) fixes the pivoting drawer (28) in the fixed position.