refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require additional parts and compromise on aesthetics and storage space due to the need for auxiliary brackets to secure shelf supporting members, which also reduce work performance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that incorporates spacers with securing holes and spiral parts to maintain the gap between the inner and outer cases, allowing for the secure attachment of supporting members without additional brackets, thereby reducing the number of parts and enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary brackets are used to secure supporting members to the inner case, then the supporting members can be fixed securely, but the number of parts increases and work performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the gap between inner and outer cases, and also serves as the securing structure for supporting members through integrated securing holes and spiral parts. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate auxiliary brackets, reducing part count while maintaining securing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is transformed from a single-function component (gap maintenance) to a multi-functional component that also provides securing capability for supporting members. The universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple roles in the refrigerator structure
2Reliability
If auxiliary brackets are projected toward the inside of the inner case to secure supporting members, then the supporting members can be fixed securely, but the beauty of the product is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged into the spacer which is located in the gap between inner and outer cases. The spiral part of the supporting member extends through the securing hole in the spacer, providing secure fixation without requiring any brackets to protrude into the inner case space, thus preserving aesthetics
3Reliability
If auxiliary brackets are used to secure supporting members, then the supporting members can be fixed securely, but the storing space is decreased and user satisfaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is integrated into the spacer structure that occupies the gap space between inner and outer cases. The spiral part of the supporting member passes through the spacer's securing hole, providing secure fixation without consuming any of the valuable storing space inside the inner case
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (brackets, supporting members, spacers) are used, then each component can perform its specific function, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and work performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer and supporting member are designed as an integrated assembly where the spacer contains securing holes and spiral parts that directly engage with the supporting member. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, improving work performance while maintaining functional versatility
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a space having a function of securing a supporting member provided in an inner case as well as a function of maintaining a predetermined gap between the inner case and an outer case, and it can reduce the number of parts in a manufacture process and which can improve work performance.