Refrigerator Shelf Rib Structure for Fast Assembly and Tilt Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerator designs face challenges in assembly efficiency, material costs, prevention of heater degradation, aesthetics, and improved functionality of cool air ducts and drawer gasket assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shelf system with tempered glass panels, support ribs, and stopper members for efficient assembly and inclination prevention, along with a cool air duct assembly featuring an insulation pad and air blower fan for improved aesthetics and efficiency, and a gasket assembly for enhanced drawer operation, while a defrost heater cover and separation member prevent carbonization and a receipt box with buffering members reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a shelf with tempered glass panel, trim part, and stoppers is used to support heavy articles and improve visibility, then the shelf strength and user convenience are improved, but the assembly complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both a support element for the shelf and a positioning element that engages with the latch groove on the support rib. The trim part also incorporates both the shelf support function and the aesthetic edge finishing, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying assembly while maintaining structural strength.
2Reliability
If a defrost heater is installed to remove frost on the evaporator, then the defrosting function is improved, but the risk of carbonization and degradation of surrounding structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
A heat-resistant insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the defrost heater and the evaporator support structures. This insulating member acts as a thermal barrier that prevents excessive heat from reaching the plastic components, thereby preventing carbonization and degradation while allowing the heater to effectively remove frost from the evaporator coils.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latch groove length is made greater than the stopper member width to allow movement, then the shelf adjustability is improved, but the structural precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch groove is designed as a segmented feature with distinct functional zones: a wider engagement portion that provides stable positioning when the stopper is inserted, and a longer extension portion that allows for adjustable movement. This segmentation enables the groove to accommodate varying stopper dimensions and positions without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances throughout the entire groove length.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including support ribs provided on both side walls of storage chambers so as to support both sides of shelves, each of which includes a tempered glass panel on which food is placed, and stopper members provided at both sides of the lower surface of the tempered glass panel, each support rib including a front rib, a rear rib, and a latch groove provided between the front rib and the rear rib such that each stopper member is inserted into the latch groove, and inclination prevention ribs, each of which is provided above the rear rib and supports the upper surface of each shelf, thereby improving assembly efficiency and productivity.