Adjustable Refrigerator Shelf Track With Concealed Power Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator appliances require disconnection and reconnection of electrical wires for shelf lighting systems when adjusting shelf assemblies, which is undesirable for consumers due to unsightly connections and additional steps.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with a probe that contacts and exerts force on an electrical bar within a track, establishing an electrical connection without visible wires, allowing for adjustable lighting without wire disconnection or reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical wires are used to power lighting systems on adjustable shelf assemblies, then electrical power can be delivered to the lighting system, but the wires become visible and require disconnection/reconnection when the shelf is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection function is extracted from traditional wire-based systems and implemented through a probe that makes contact with an electrical bar within the track structure. This eliminates the need for separate visible wires while maintaining power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection mechanism is merged with the track structure itself. The electrical bar is integrated into the track, and the probe on the shelf assembly makes contact with it, combining structural support and electrical power delivery functions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical wires are connected to lighting systems on shelf assemblies, then power can be supplied, but additional connection steps are required when adjusting shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is maintained continuously as the shelf moves along the track. The probe remains in contact with the electrical bar throughout the adjustment range, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect wires during shelf repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains electrical connection through the probe-electrical bar contact mechanism. As the shelf is adjusted, the probe naturally maintains contact with the electrical bar within the track, requiring no manual intervention for wire management.
3Illumination intensity
If electrical wires are used for shelf lighting, then lighting can be provided, but visible connections detract from aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The visible wire component is extracted and replaced by a concealed probe-electrical bar contact system integrated within the track structure. This maintains lighting functionality while hiding the electrical connection mechanism from view.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection mechanism is nested within the track structure. The electrical bar is positioned inside the track cavity, and the probe makes contact from within, concealing all electrical components within the existing structural elements.
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 adjustable shelf assemblies in refrigerators to provide concealed electrical connections, eliminating the need for wire disconnection and reconnection, enhancing user convenience and aesthetics by maintaining a clean appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a probe configured to contact and exert a force on the electrical bar along the transverse direction when the shelf assembly is attached to the track such that the probe establishes an electrical connection with the electrical bar
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance including a refrigerated chamber defined by a liner positioned within a cabinet is provided. At least one track extends generally along a vertical direction of the refrigerator appliance attached to or positioned adjacent to the liner. Additionally, a shelf assembly is configured to attach to the track. An electrical bar extends at least partially within the track and a probe of the shelf assembly is configured to extend into the track and press against the electrical bar along a transverse direction. The probe may accordingly make an electrical connection with electrical bar when the shelf assembly is attached the track.