Refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators have limited flexibility in dividing storage space within the storage container, as fixed or detachable dividers restrict the ability to change the size of storage compartments, hindering optimal space utilization and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A movable divider system is introduced, featuring guide rails, a cam gear mechanism, and an interference member, allowing the divider to be adjusted and stopped at various positions using an operating unit, enabling flexible division of storage space into compartments of different sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed divider is installed at a specific position of the storage container, then the storage space is divided into multiple compartments, but the size of the storage spaces cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of storage space divisionVSAvoidstructure of divider

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The divider is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one by introducing guide rails that allow the divider to slide along the inner wall of the storage container. This enables the divider to be repositioned freely to create storage spaces of various sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable divider is provided at multiple predetermined positions, then the divider can be repositioned, but the position options are still limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of divider positionsVSAvoidconvenience of storage space adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The divider is designed to be continuously movable along the guide rails rather than being restricted to discrete predetermined positions. This continuous movement capability provides unlimited position options, greatly enhancing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through simple sliding motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail system is segmented into multiple sections with interference members positioned at different locations. These interference members can selectively engage with the cam gear to provide stable stopping positions, allowing the divider to be easily positioned and fixed at various points along the continuous guide rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If an interference member selectively interferes with the cam gear, then the divider can be stopped at specific positions, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of divider positioningVSAvoidcam gear and interference member mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the movable divider and the interference members. It converts the linear movement of the divider into rotational motion, allowing the interference members to selectively engage and hold the divider at specific positions. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable positioning while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

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

This solution allows for easy and customizable division of storage space, enhancing space utilization and convenience by enabling the creation of variously sized compartments within the storage container.

Implementation Method 1

a cam gear coupled to the divider shaft and rotating together with the divider shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member for moving the interference member away from the cam gear when the operating unit moves upward of the storage container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11306964B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a refrigerator having an improved structure to improve space utilization of a storage container.Provided is a refrigerator including a refrigerator including: a main body; a storage chamber provided inside the main body and having an open front surface; a door provided to open and close the open front surface of the storage chamber; and a storage container having a storage space and provided to be withdrawn in the storage chamber, wherein the storage container may include a plurality of guide rails installed to face each other on an inner wall of the storage container; and a divider provided to be movable along the plurality of guide rails to divide the storage space into a plurality of storage spaces.