Refrigerated storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices lack efficient retrieval mechanisms for food items, particularly in terms of accessibility and space utilization within the refrigerator and on the door.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rotatable first shelving unit within the refrigerator and a movable second shelving unit on the door, utilizing a rod and flange system with bearings and tracks to facilitate easy access and optimal positioning of food items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixed shelving is used in the refrigerator, then the structure is simple and stable, but food item accessibility and retrieval efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed shelving into rotatable shelving units. The first shelving unit is mounted on a rotatable mechanism allowing it to rotate within the refrigerator cavity, while the second shelving unit on the door is positioned at selectable points. This dynamic capability enables users to easily access food items by rotating the shelves to bring them to the front, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional door shelving is used, then the door structure is simple, but space utilization and food item positioning flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the door shelving into multiple independently positionable units. The second shelving unit can be positioned at different selectable points along the door, allowing flexible adaptation to various storage needs. This segmented approach provides positioning flexibility without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system, as each segment operates independently.
3Productivity
If rotatable and movable shelving units are incorporated, then food item retrieval efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable first shelving unit and movable second shelving unit enable users to quickly access food items by rotating or repositioning shelves to bring desired items to the front, significantly improving retrieval efficiency. The dynamic nature of these shelving units allows for rapid reconfiguration without requiring the entire system to be complex, as the movement mechanisms are localized to specific shelving units rather than the entire refrigerator structure.
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
Enhances food item retrieval by allowing selective rotation and positioning, reducing friction and improving accessibility, thus optimizing storage and retrieval efficiency within the refrigerator and on the door.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a rod and flange system with bearings and tracks to facilitate easy access
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated storage system for incorporating rotatable shelves into a refrigerator includes a refrigerator that has a door. A first shelving unit is rotatably positioned within the refrigerator to support food items. The first shelving unit is selectively rotated to facilitate selected food items to be retrieved from the refrigerator. A second shelving unit is coupled to the door to support food items. The second shelving unit is movably positioned at a selected point along the door.