Refrigerator Shelf With Slidable Handle for Adjustable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household refrigeration appliances lack a user-friendly and adjustable handle arrangement on shelves, which limits accessibility and adaptability to different door hinge configurations and user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A handle part that is separate from the shelf's front edge and can be moved back and forth in the width direction between defined positions, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy detachment, is integrated into the appliance. This handle part is designed as an elongate rail and clip profile, encompassing the front edge to form a guide device, and can be continuously displaced along the edge, with optional symbols for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handle is permanently fixed to the shelf front edge, then the shelf structure is simple and stable, but the handle position cannot be adjusted for different user preferences or door hinge configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows it to move dynamically along the front edge of the shelf between a first position and a second position. The guide device enables continuous adjustment while maintaining stable engagement, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and adjustable versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a profile strip with integrated handle is slid onto the shelf and fixed with adhesive, then the handle position can be adjusted, but the mounting process becomes complex and requires permanent attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is segmented into a handle body and a separate mounting mechanism that engages with the shelf front edge. This segmentation allows the handle to be mounted without adhesive by sliding it onto the guide device, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining position adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide device acts as an intermediary between the handle and the shelf front edge. This intermediary component enables the handle to be positioned and secured without requiring adhesive or complex mounting procedures, making the assembly process simpler while allowing position adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is made separate from the front edge, then the handle position can be adjusted, but the risk of unwanted wear or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device provides dynamic engagement that maintains stable contact between the handle and shelf front edge during movement. The geometric engagement ensures the handle remains securely attached while allowing controlled movement, preventing unwanted wear or damage.
4Ease of operation
If the handle is continuously movable along the front edge, then user-friendly positioning is achieved, but the mechanism for controlling movement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device enables continuous movement of the handle along the front edge through a simple geometric engagement mechanism. The dynamic design allows the handle to be positioned anywhere along the front edge without requiring complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic cooling appliance (1) having an interior space (2) for receiving food, and at least one shelf (6, 7, 8) that is housed in the interior space (2) and has a front edge (6b) on which a gripping part (13), separate from the front edge (6b), is arranged. Said gripping part is shorter than the front edge (6b) in the direction of the width thereof, and, when in the fully mounted final state on the front edge (6b), said gripping part (13) can be slid back and forth, relative to the front edge (6b), in the direction of the width, between a first position and at least one second position.