Refrigerator Shelf Frame with Snap-In Cantilever Insert Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelving assemblies face challenges in assembling and removing inserts without deforming the frame, particularly when the frame's material is prone to flexing or damage during assembly and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
The shelving assembly incorporates a resiliently deformable cantilever arm within the frame's support element, allowing for localized flexing to facilitate the assembly and secure positioning of the insert without general frame deformation, and restricts the insert's movement to a fixed range to prevent inadvertent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the frame is flexed to expand the distance between grooves for inserting the substrate, then the insert can be assembled into the frame, but the frame may be damaged or deformed during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a rigid portion and a flexible portion, allowing the flexible portion to deform locally for insert assembly while the rigid portion maintains overall frame integrity and prevents damage
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frame have different mechanical properties: the first portion is rigid to maintain structural integrity, while the second portion is flexible to enable easy insert insertion and removal without damaging the overall frame
2Ease of operation
If the grooves are made longer to facilitate sliding of the insert, then the insert can slide smoothly, but the frame requires more material and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is segmented into distinct functional zones: rigid portions for structural support, flexible portions for insertion/removal operations, and groove portions for sliding guidance, allowing each segment to perform its specific function efficiently
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
This design enables reliable assembly and secure positioning of the insert without deforming the frame, while preventing accidental removal, ensuring easy installation and configuration changes within the shelving assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a second portion of the at least one support element including a resiliently deformable cantilever arm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A refrigerator (10) shelf assembly (10) includes a frame (14) having a depth (16) and a first support element (18) extending along the depth (16) and defining a first track (20) open in a lateral direction (22) perpendicular to the depth (16). The support element further defines a first open area (24) along a first side (26) of the track and extending between an adjacent portion of the track and an exterior of the first support element (18) and a cantilever arm (30) having a free end (32)adjacent the first open area (24). The cantilever arm (30) is resiliently deformable away from a plane (34) defined along the first side (26) of the track. The assembly (10) further includes an insert (36) slidably received within the track and moveable along the depth (16) of the first track (20) through a fixed range of motion (38), wherein the insert (36) is disposed over an expanse of the first open area (24).