Refrigerator Shelf Assembly With Sliding Brackets for Easy Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator shelf assemblies face limitations in adjustable distance and complexity in adjustment mechanisms, with the first method being inconvenient due to limited adjustment and the second method being cumbersome due to added weight and angle requirements.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with first to fourth mounting members and brackets featuring sliding grooves and receiving grooves allows for vertical adjustment of the shelf plate, enabling easy and convenient position adjustment without the need for additional heavy support frames or complex rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the shelf is supported on ribs on the inner wall of the compartment, then the shelf structure is simple, but the adjustable distance is limited by the distance between the ribs making adjustment complicated and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple brackets distributed along the inner wall of the compartment. Each bracket can independently support the shelf at different positions, enabling continuous adjustment along the entire wall length rather than being limited to fixed rib locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from one-dimensional discrete rib positions to a two-dimensional continuous adjustment system where brackets can be positioned at multiple locations along the vertical wall, providing greater flexibility in shelf positioning.
2Ease of operation
If a ferric support frame with cantilever beam is used, then the shelf can be adjusted vertically, but the shelf assembly becomes heavy and requires rotation manipulation making adjustment complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy ferric support frame and cantilever beam structure is removed and replaced with lightweight brackets that are directly mounted to the compartment wall. Only the essential support function is retained, eliminating unnecessary structural weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical rotation and cantilever system is replaced with a simpler direct-slide mechanism where the shelf moves vertically along guide rails formed by the brackets, eliminating the need for rotational manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ferric support frame is added for vertical adjustment, then the shelf can be repositioned, but the shelf assembly becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy ferric support frame is completely removed from the design. Instead, lightweight brackets are used that provide the same repositioning functionality without adding excessive weight to the shelf assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable vertical adjustment, and guide shelf movement, eliminating the need for separate heavy support frames while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf assembly and a refrigerator including the same. The shelf assembly includes: a shelf plate having first to fourth mounting members, and first to fourth brackets each having a fitting slot, in which the first and second brackets are disposed at a left and right side of the shelf plate respectively. The fitting slot of each of the first and second brackets includes a first sliding groove and a plurality of first receiving grooves. The first and second mounting members are slidable within the first sliding groove of the first and second brackets along the vertical direction so as to selectively fit within one of the plurality of the first receiving grooves. The third and fourth mounting members are fitted within the fitting slot of the third and fourth brackets and a position of the third and fourth mounting members are adjustable along the vertical direction.