Refrigerator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in efficiently utilizing storage space due to limitations in the number and volume of storage units, which can lead to reduced storage capacity and inefficiency when trying to add new storage devices without compromising the preset volume.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design featuring a cabinet with a partition wall that includes an accommodating unit with a recessed space and a sliding door mechanism, allowing for the addition of auxiliary storage space without occupying existing storage space, and incorporating a transfer unit for smooth door operation and foreign substance protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If drawers or racks are added to the storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but the volume available for other storage units is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidavailable storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The door structure is nested within the storage space volume, allowing the door to be housed inside the storage compartment when open, rather than requiring external space. The door body is positioned to slide within the storage space boundaries, effectively nesting the door mechanism within the existing storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The door movement is changed from traditional rotation around a hinge axis to linear sliding motion parallel to the partition wall. This dimensional change allows the door to move within the plane of the storage space rather than requiring perpendicular rotation space, enabling more efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a door is provided to partition the storage compartment, then storage organization is improved, but the space required for door movement is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage organizationVSAvoidspace for door movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The door movement is changed from traditional rotation around a hinge axis to linear sliding motion parallel to the partition wall. This dimensional change allows the door to move within the plane of the storage space rather than requiring perpendicular rotation space, enabling more efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A roller mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the door and the partition wall, enabling smooth sliding motion. The roller reduces friction and facilitates the door's movement along the partition wall surface, making the sliding mechanism practical and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If the door moves in a direction parallel to the partition wall, then storage space utilization is improved, but door stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoiddoor stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A roller mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the door and the partition wall, enabling smooth sliding motion. The roller reduces friction and facilitates the door's movement along the partition wall surface, making the sliding mechanism practical and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The door structure incorporates ribs that extend from the door body toward the partition wall, creating a composite structural system. These ribs work with the roller mechanism to provide lateral support and prevent door splaying, combining the sliding door design with enhanced stability features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10345032B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a partition wall partitioning the cabinet, an accommodating unit defining an accommodating space and an opening, where the accommodating space is recessed downward from a horizontal top surface of the partition wall, and the opening is located at an upper portion of the accommodating unit and configured to introduce food therethrough, an accommodating unit door located at the upper portion of the accommodating unit and configured to open and close the opening by moving in a direction parallel to the horizontal top surface, a roller located below the accommodating unit door, where the roller supports the accommodating unit door and allows the accommodating unit door to slidingly move with respect to the partition wall, and an upper rib provided at each of left and right portions of the accommodating unit door and configured to restrict splaying of the accommodating unit door.