Storage container and refrigerator having the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator storage containers face difficulties in easily adjusting and securing partitioned storage spaces, leading to inefficiencies in organizing different types of food without mixing.

Innovation Solution

A storage container with a moving guide system that includes a first and second through hole for partition members, a middle portion coupled to the upper and lower portions, and a stopper with high frictional force, allowing the partition fixing portion to move based on the inclined surface, enabling easy adjustment and fixation of partition members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the storage space is divided into fixed or arbitrarily adjusted sizes, then the storage capacity is optimized for different food types, but the ease of fixing the adjusted storage space deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space divisionVSAvoidfixing partition position
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition member is designed with movable guides that can transition between movable and fixed states. The guide includes a moving portion that can slide along the guide groove and a fixing portion that locks into position, allowing the partition to dynamically change from adjustable to fixed state based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simplified friction-based locking mechanism. The moving guide uses friction between the moving portion and guide groove, combined with a simple fixing portion that engages with the groove, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other complex fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the partition member is made movable to allow adjustment, then the adaptability of storage space is improved, but the stability of the partition position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartition adjustabilityVSAvoidpartition position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guide system is designed with a moving portion that can freely slide when adjustment is needed, and a fixing portion that locks into the guide groove to provide stability. The system dynamically transitions between these two states, maintaining both adjustability and stability as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide groove acts as an intermediary element between the movable partition and the fixed container structure. It provides a controlled path for movement while also serving as a locking mechanism when the partition is positioned, mediating between the need for movement and the need for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables flexible and secure division of storage space according to the size of food items, allowing users to easily adjust and fix partition members, improving food organization and storage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a stopper configured to prevent the moving guide from rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3315886B1Storage container and refrigerator having the same
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3315886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3315886B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3315886B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage container (20) having a storage space (21), includes a partition member ()50 configured to divide the storage space of the storage container, the partition member having a first partition member (50a) movable in a first direction in the storage space, and a second partition member (50b) movable in a second direction in the storage space (21) while crossing the first partition member, and a moving guide (100) provided in an intersection between the first partition member (50a) and the second partition member (50b) and configured to guide a movement of the first partition member (50a) and a movement of the second partition member (50b) and to fix the first partition member (50a) and the second partition member (50b) so as not to move, the storage container (20) may be configured to move a partition fixing portion disposed in the moving guide (100) in a direction to contact the partition member (50) according to the rotation of the upper portion of the moving guide (100).