Refrigerator Sliding Door Design for Space-Efficient Storage Access
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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 dividing it into two storage compartments, an accommodating unit with a recessed space and a sliding door mechanism that allows for horizontal movement, and a transfer unit with elastic and speed control components to facilitate smooth opening and closing, minimizing space requirements and preventing foreign substances from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number or volume of drawers and racks is reduced to install a new storage device, then the new storage device can be added, but the storage capacity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating unit door moves horizontally parallel to the partition wall surface rather than rotating, utilizing the horizontal dimension for door movement. This eliminates the need for radial clearance and allows the door to operate within the existing storage space footprint, thereby maintaining storage capacity while enabling the new storage device installation
2Ease of operation
If a storage device door is provided to partition internal space, then selective access is improved, but space for door movement reduces storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The door movement is changed from rotational (requiring radial clearance) to horizontal sliding (utilizing parallel dimension). The door moves in a direction parallel to the partition wall surface, eliminating the need for additional radial space and preserving storage volume while maintaining selective access functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The door is extracted from the traditional rotational hinge mechanism and reimagined as a horizontally sliding panel. This extraction allows the door to function independently without requiring the radial clearance zone, thereby preserving storage space volume while maintaining the partitioning and selective access functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the volume of drawers or racks is reduced to accommodate a new storage device, then the new device fits, but the existing storage efficiency is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal sliding door mechanism operates in a dimension parallel to the partition wall, eliminating the need to reduce drawer or rack volumes. The door moves horizontally without encroaching on the vertical storage space, thereby maintaining storage efficiency while enabling the installation of the new storage device
Data Source
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.