refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelves require users to completely detach them from the hanger to adjust height, leading to inconvenience and risk of food falling, and sliding shelves do not allow for easy withdrawal of food due to limited frontward movement.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design with a shelf system that includes a moving unit coupled to the shelf hanger, allowing vertical adjustment without detaching, and a sliding mechanism with a latch device and elastic members for easy withdrawal and retraction, enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf is completely separated from the hanger to adjust height, then the height adjustment is possible, but the operation becomes complex and food may fall into the storage compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is divided into a shelf body and a shelf hanger that can move independently relative to each other. The shelf hanger can be detached from the hanger for height adjustment while the shelf body remains in place, separating the adjustment operation from the food storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf hanger is pre-equipped with engagement projections that can selectively engage with multiple positions on the hanger before the shelf is fully assembled. This allows the height to be predetermined and adjusted by simply moving the hanger to different engagement positions rather than complete disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf is completely separated from the hanger to adjust height, then the height adjustment is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly is segmented into a stationary shelf body and a movable shelf hanger. The hanger contains engagement projections that interface with fixed engagement positions on the hanger structure, allowing height adjustment without complex mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf hanger is designed to be movable along the hanger structure with selective engagement at different heights. The engagement projections can be easily engaged or disengaged from the hanger, providing dynamic height adjustment capability while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the shelf is slidable in the front-rear direction but not completely withdrawn, then the shelf remains supported, but the withdrawal distance is insufficient for easy food access
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is segmented into a shelf body and a shelf hanger that can move independently. The shelf hanger can be completely withdrawn from the hanger in the frontward direction while the shelf body remains supported by the moving unit, enabling full withdrawal for easy food access while maintaining support stability when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving unit acts as an intermediary between the shelf hanger and the hanger. It allows the shelf hanger to be completely withdrawn while keeping the shelf body supported, mediating between the need for full withdrawal and the need for stable support.
4Ease of operation
If the shelf is completely withdrawn in the frontward direction, then the food access is easy, but the shelf cannot be supported properly
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is divided into a shelf body and a shelf hanger. The shelf hanger can be completely withdrawn for easy food access, while the shelf body remains supported by the moving unit that stays engaged with the hanger, resolving the conflict between withdrawal and support.
5Measurement precision
If a separate switching operation is required for both upward and downward shelf movement, then the control is precise, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring separate switching operations for upward and downward movement, the design allows the shelf hanger to move freely in both directions. The engagement projections automatically engage with the hanger at appropriate positions during movement, inverting the control mechanism from active switching to passive engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement projections on the shelf hanger automatically engage with the hanger at the correct positions during upward or downward movement without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates the engagement based on the movement direction and position, eliminating the need for separate switching operations.
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
Enables height adjustment of shelves without detaching them, simplifies the process by eliminating the need for separate switching operations, and improves the withdrawal distance and speed of shelves, reducing the risk of food falling and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member providing an elastic force to allow the second shelf to be withdrawn from the first shelf
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member configured to elastically bias the engagement lever in one direction in which the engagement lever is engaged with the engagement projection
Implementation Method 3
a damper provided to adjust a withdrawal speed of the second shelf
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator which allows a height of a shelf to be adjusted without detaching the shelf from a hanger. The refrigerator includes a main body, a storage compartment provided in the main body, a shelf hanger provided at an inner side of the storage compartment, a moving unit coupled to the shelf hanger to be movable in a vertical direction, and a shelf supported by the moving unit. The shelf includes a first shelf detachably coupled to the moving unit, a second shelf slidably coupled to the first shelf, a latch device configured to allow the second shelf to be fixed to or unfixed from the first shelf, and a first elastic member providing an elastic force to allow the second shelf to be withdrawn from the first shelf.