Shelf bottom for a refrigerator
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator shelves are complex to manufacture and have limited load-bearing capacity due to the need for separate molds for each model and the risk of the support plate coming loose from the frame, especially when using glass plates with small cross-section profile parts.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a support plate enclosed in a frame assembled from extruded profile pieces with widened end pieces, where the profile parts connect securely with pins and grooves, allowing for uniform extrusions to be used across different models, and incorporating telescopic rails for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate molds are used for each shelf model, then each model can have customized design, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal extruded profile design that can be adapted to create multiple shelf models. The same basic extrusion geometry serves different purposes by varying the arrangement and combination of profile pieces, eliminating the need for separate molds for each model while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf frame is divided into multiple discrete extruded profile pieces that can be independently manufactured using a single mold. These segmented components are then assembled in different configurations to create various shelf models, reducing mold complexity while maintaining model diversity.
2Shape
If glass plates with small cross-section profile parts are used, then the shelf appearance is improved, but the load-bearing capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines glass plates with profile parts made from materials having higher mechanical strength, such as metal or reinforced plastic. This composite construction allows the shelf to maintain an aesthetically pleasing glass appearance while the stronger profile parts provide the necessary load-bearing capacity and structural support.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support plate is not fully enclosed in the frame, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the support plate may come loose and fall
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is fully enclosed within the frame structure, with profile parts positioned at the edges that create a nested configuration. The profile parts extend into grooves or recesses in the support plate, creating a secure fit that prevents the plate from coming loose while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the modular design.
4Shape
If profile parts with small cross-section are used, then the shelf design is more elegant, but the load-bearing capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs profile parts made from composite or high-strength materials that maintain an elegant, slender appearance while providing sufficient load-bearing capacity. The material selection allows for reduced cross-section dimensions without compromising structural integrity, achieving both aesthetic and functional requirements.
5Adaptability or versatility
If different extrusions are used for different shelf models, then each model has unique appearance, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal extrusion design that can be configured in multiple ways to create different shelf models. The same basic extrusion profile is used across all models, with variations achieved through different arrangements, combinations, and orientations of the profile pieces, thereby maintaining production efficiency while enabling model differentiation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
Disclosed is a shelf bottom for a refrigerator, comprising a frame (2, 3, 4, 5) and a support plate (1) that is mounted within said frame (2, 3, 4, 5). The frame (2, 3, 4, 5) is composed of extruded profiled pieces (4, 5) and profiled parts (2, 3) that connect the ends of the extruded profiled pieces (4, 5).