Refrigerator Shelf Rotation Structure to Prevent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable shelves in refrigerators are prone to separation from the support part when items are withdrawn, leading to reduced product life due to concentrated loads on protrusions and protrusion seating parts, and they do not efficiently utilize space for taller items.
Innovation Solution
A variable shelf apparatus with a support part that includes anti-separation parts with elastic properties and inclined surfaces, allowing the second shelf part to rotate and adjust, preventing separation from the support part and optimizing storage space for taller items by facing the second shelf surface towards the rear wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pair of protrusions are seated in the pair of protrusion seating parts without separate prevention members, then the structure is simple, but the variable shelf may be easily separated from the support part when force is applied upward during item withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate prevention member as an intermediary component between the protrusions and protrusion seating parts. This prevention member actively prevents upward separation of the shelf while maintaining the simplicity of the basic coupling structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and separation prevention reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the pair of protrusion seating parts are disposed at the rear of the support part to reduce non-available space, then the spaced distance is reduced, but the load is concentrated on the pair of protrusions and protrusion seating parts, shortening product life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function by introducing a prevention member that shares the load with the protrusions and protrusion seating parts. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress, preventing concentration on single points and extending the product life cycle while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The prevention member acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and distributes the load before it can concentrate on the protrusions and seating parts. By providing this preemptive load distribution mechanism, the patent extends product durability while maintaining efficient space usage.
3Ease of operation
If the second shelf part rotates up based on protrusions supported by the rear end of the support part, then the upper surface of the second shelf part cannot face the rear wall, but a separate support member is required, creating non-available space
Solution Approach 1:
The prevention member serves as an intermediary that enables the second shelf part to rotate and face the rear wall by providing proper support and positioning. This intermediary component eliminates the need for additional support members that would create non-available space, thus improving storage space efficiency while maintaining rotation capability.
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
The solution prevents the shelf from separating during item withdrawal, extends the product life by distributing loads, and enhances storage capacity by allowing the second shelf to rotate and adjust, accommodating taller items effectively.
Implementation Method 1
anti-separation parts with elastic properties
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A shelf unit and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The shelf unit includes: a first shelf part; a second shelf part configured to have the first shelf part slidably coupled therewith; and a support part configured to be installed in a storage room to slidably support the first shelf part and rotatably support the second shelf part, wherein the support part is configured such that a pair of protrusions protruding at both sides of the second shelf part is selectively coupled and separated between an upper surface and a lower surface of the support part.