Refrigerator Sliding Case with Multi-Stage Rail Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators have limitations in the extent to which the sliding case can be opened, and there is a need for a stable mechanism to insert and withdraw the sliding case with respect to the rail.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a movable rail configured to be locked and coupled to a fixed rail, allowing the sliding case to be slidable along the movable rail between inserted and withdrawn positions, with a locking mechanism that releases when the movable rail moves from the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding case is designed to be highly withdrawable for better accessibility, then user convenience is improved, but the stability and reliability of the sliding mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is segmented into a fixed rail and a movable rail that can independently move relative to each other. The sliding case moves along the movable rail, which itself can be withdrawn along the fixed rail, creating a multi-stage sliding mechanism that provides both extended accessibility and maintained stability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable rail is designed to dynamically change its position relative to the fixed rail based on the operational state. When the sliding case is fully inserted, the movable rail locks to the fixed rail providing maximum stability. When withdrawal is needed, the movable rail can move independently to extend the opening extent while maintaining controlled movement
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to ensure stable insertion, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position and movement of the rails. When the movable rail reaches its retracted position relative to the fixed rail, the locking portion automatically couples with the insertion portion without requiring external actuation, providing reliable locking while minimizing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including; an inner cabinet forming a storage compartments; a fixed rail on an inner wall of the inner cabinet; a movable rail that is slidable along the fixed rail between a first rail position, at which the movable rail is inserted, and a second rail position, at which the movable rail is withdrawn; and a sliding case that is slidable along the movable rail between a first case position, at which the sliding case is inserted with respect to the movable rail, and a second rail position, at which the sliding case is withdrawn from the first case position with respect to the movable rail. The movable rail is configured to be locked to the fixed rail at the first rail position, and to be released from the fixed rail in response to the movable rail moving from the first rail position to the second rail position.