Refrigerator Shelf Elevation Mechanism With Auto-Locking Lever Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator shelf adjustment mechanisms are inconvenient, requiring prolonged handle operation, causing noise, and complicating shelf separation and mounting, especially when adjusting the shelf's elevation over long distances.

Innovation Solution

An elevation adjustment apparatus featuring a lengthwise engaging guide with spaced engaging members, a rotatable operating lever, and a roller guide, allowing the shelf to be moved and fixed at any position without needing to be completely removed, utilizing the restoring force of an elastic member for automatic positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a gear coupling structure is used to adjust shelf elevation by turning a handle, then the shelf can be moved to different positions, but the handle must be turned continuously for long distances causing user inconvenience and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of shelf elevation adjustmentVSAvoidtime required for handle operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging guide is divided into multiple discrete engaging members (teeth) spaced at intervals along its length. The operating lever engages with these segmented positions rather than requiring continuous rotation, allowing the shelf to be moved to any of several predetermined elevation levels with a simple lever action rather than continuous handle turning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operating lever is designed to rotate freely along the engaging guide, transitioning from a locked engaged position to a released position with simple user input. This dynamic lever mechanism replaces the static continuous-rotation handle, enabling quick position changes without prolonged manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a gear coupling structure is used for shelf elevation adjustment, then the shelf can be moved, but considerable noise is generated during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf movement capabilityVSAvoidnoise during shelf adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional gear coupling mechanism with meshing teeth is replaced by a lever-based engagement system. The operating lever directly engages with the engaging guide without requiring gear-to-gear interaction, eliminating the characteristic gear meshing noise while maintaining the shelf movement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If molded ends are formed on wall surfaces to mount the shelf, then the shelf can be positioned, but the shelf can only be mounted at limited positions and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf mounting position optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging guide serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting structure for the shelf, defines multiple permissible elevation positions through its spaced engaging members, and enables the operating lever mechanism for easy position changes. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for separate molded ends at each wall surface, reducing manufacturing complexity while increasing position flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the shelf is mounted by coupling with guide holes and a ring-shaped coupling part, then the shelf can be positioned at multiple locations, but the shelf must be completely separated and reassembled to change positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf mounting position flexibilityVSAvoidease of shelf repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement system is segmented into the stationary engaging guide with multiple engaging members and the movable operating lever on the shelf. This segmentation allows the shelf to engage different positions along the guide without requiring complete disassembly, as the lever can be independently manipulated to release and re-engage at various locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operating lever provides a dynamic, movable engagement mechanism that allows the shelf to be quickly released and repositioned. Unlike fixed coupling points requiring complete separation, the lever's rotational movement enables on-the-fly position changes while maintaining connection to the engaging guide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8152258B2Elevation adjustment apparatus for shelf in refrigerator

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In order to can conveniently operate the elevation of the shelf, move the shelf only by the movement of the shelf without performing the separate work in order to allow the user to move the shelf, and automatically fix the position of the shelf by means of the restoring force of the elastic member after the movement of the shelf is completed, the present invention discloses an elevation adjustment apparatus for a shelf in a refrigerator comprising an engaging guide lengthily formed up and down in the inside of the refrigerator; a shelf movably mounted up and down along the engaging guide; an engaging apparatus rotatably supported on the shelf and re-stricting the downward movement of the shelf by selectively hooking it on any position of the engaging guide by a rotation operation; and a load supporting apparatus supporting the load of the shelf at the position fixing the shelf by the engaging apparatus.