Shelf assembly for appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of glass shelves in refrigerated appliances is costly and sensitive to environmental conditions due to the use of adhesives, which can result in uneven thickness and affect the aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly design that mechanically retains glass panels within frame structures without the need for adhesives, using spacer assemblies with clip members and channels to securely position the glass panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material is used to attach trim structures to frame members, then the glass shelves can be assembled with automated robotic arms in controlled environments, but the assembly process becomes very costly and sensitive to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical retention system. The trim structures are retained on the frame members through mechanical means (interlocking features, clips, or physical engagement) rather than chemical adhesion. This substitution eliminates the need for controlled environmental conditions and complex adhesive application processes, while maintaining automated assembly capability through simpler mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the adhesive material from the assembly process. By eliminating the adhesive layer entirely, the design removes the associated complexities of adhesive application, curing, and environmental control requirements. The mechanical retention system stands alone without needing chemical bonding agents, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material is used to join trim structures and frame members, then the shelves can be assembled together, but the adhesive thickness becomes uneven and unsightly affecting aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical retention system replaces adhesive bonding, eliminating the visible adhesive layer that causes aesthetic issues. The trim structures are held in place through mechanical engagement features that do not require visible filler material, resulting in clean, uniform appearance without uneven adhesive thickness.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material is used to attach trim structures, then the glass panels can be secured to frame members, but the process requires frit on glass to hide the glue which affects overall aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive material from the assembly, removing the need for cosmetic coverings like frit on the glass. By using mechanical retention, there is no glue to hide, eliminating the requirement for additional aesthetic correction steps and their associated costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material is used in the shelf assembly, then the trim structures can be attached to frame members, but the assembly becomes sensitive to surrounding environment conditions like cleanliness and amount of adhesive used
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical retention system replaces adhesive bonding, eliminating sensitivity to environmental conditions. Mechanical interlocking features do not require controlled cleanliness, precise adhesive application amounts, or specific environmental parameters, making the assembly process robust to variations in manufacturing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf assembly for a refrigerator includes a frame assembly having front and rear frame members with respective front and rear channels. A panel includes first and second ends, wherein the first end is fully received in the front channel, and further wherein the second end is partially received in the rear channel. A spacer assembly includes a spacer member and one or more clip members extending upwardly from a base portion. The clip members are clipped to mounting apertures disposed on the second portion of the rear frame member. The spacer member is received through a receiving aperture disposed through the rear frame member. The spacer member extends into the rear channel and engages the second end of the panel when the spacer assembly is clipped to the rear frame member to retain the panel in the channels of the front and rear frame members.