Refrigeration device comprising a shelf for goods to be cooled
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances require cumbersome and material-intensive methods for securing refrigerated goods shelves during transport, involving separate locks and adhesives, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance design featuring elongate supports on side surfaces with elastic latching elements that securely fasten refrigerated goods shelves, eliminating the need for separate transport locks by using a one-piece, form-fitting fastening device made of plastic, which can be easily produced and integrated into the shelf's frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shelf locks with adhesive tape and polystyrene elements are used for transport securing, then the shelf is securely fixed during transport, but the material expenditure and time for packing and unpacking increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the locking element and transport securing function into a single integrated component. The locking element with elastic locking tongues serves both as a structural support component and as the transport securing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate adhesive tapes and polystyrene elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element features elastic locking tongues that automatically engage with the supports during shelf installation, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional packing materials or complex assembly steps. The elastic nature allows automatic engagement and secure fixation.
2Reliability
If conventional shelf locks with adhesive tape and polystyrene elements are used for transport securing, then the shelf is securely fixed during transport, but the material expenditure increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking element structure with the transport securing function, eliminating the need for separate adhesive tapes and polystyrene elements. The locking element itself provides the securing function through its elastic locking tongues that engage with the supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a simple, inexpensive plastic component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive adhesive tapes and polystyrene elements that are consumed during the packing process.
3Ease of operation
If a locking element with elastic locking tongues is used, then the shelf can be easily attached and detached without separate transport locks, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into distinct functional segments: the main body, multiple elastic locking tongues, and engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and manufactured, simplifying production despite the overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking tongues utilize material elasticity parameters to provide both the locking function and the ease of operation. By selecting appropriate elastic materials and designing the tongue geometry, the mechanism achieves simple operation without complex assembly requirements.
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 simplifies shelf attachment and detachment, reduces production costs, and eliminates the need for additional transport security measures, ensuring secure and easy-to-use shelf fixation within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element, which in particular locks positively with the front end or the rear end of one of the supports, and the end of the elastic locking tongue in the locked state faces or touches the relevant front end or the relevant rear end of the support
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device, comprising at least one shelf for goods to be cooled and a body provided with a refrigeration chamber, said refrigeration chamber comprising two lateral surfaces. Support elements, respectively comprising a support surface on which the shelf is mounted, respectively comprise a rear end which faces towards a rear wall of the body and respectively a front end which faces away from the rear wall. Said shelf comprises at least one catch element which catches, in particular in a positive fit, with the front end or the rear end of one of support elements.