Refrigerator Storage Container with Modular Decorative Front Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers for refrigeration devices lack a simple and cost-effective method for exchanging decorative strips, and current solutions often require attachment of additional components, which complicates production and variability.
Innovation Solution
A storage container with a front wall composed of two distinct wall sections, where the upper section serves as a removable, dimensionally stable decorative strip that can be easily swapped, offering a modular design suitable for injection molding and varying colors/surface structures to create different optical impressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a decorative strip is attached to the front wall of a storage container using separate components (as in DE 101 17 763 A1 and DE 102 08 058 A1), then aesthetic variability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the decorative strip and front wall into a single integrated wall section that is injection-molded as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate attachment components while maintaining the ability to provide aesthetic variability through different colored or finished wall sections. The decorative function and structural function are merged into a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The front wall section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural front wall of the storage container, acts as the decorative strip, and integrates the mounting function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate decorative strips and attachment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining aesthetic variability.
2Reliability
If additional attachment components are used to secure decorative strips (as in DE 101 17 763 A1 with plug connections and cutouts), then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is merged into the front wall section itself through integrated attachment elements that are injection-molded as part of the wall section. This eliminates the need for separate attachment components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable attachment of the decorative strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the front wall section during the injection molding process. This preliminary formation of attachment features eliminates the need for subsequent assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plastic deformation is used to attach decorative strips to curved edges (as in DE 10 2004 012 497 A1), then adaptability to different shapes is improved, but manufacturing precision and surface quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall section is pre-formed with the correct curvature and integrated attachment elements during injection molding, eliminating the need for subsequent plastic deformation. This preliminary formation maintains surface quality and manufacturing precision while achieving the required shape adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage container for a refrigerating device, comprising a container body provided with a front wall (11 ) and two lateral walls (12, 13), at least the front wall (11) being formed from at least two wall sections that are different in their form and/or surface structure. Preferably, the upper wall section (2) is embodied as a dimensionally stable removable wall part (2). Said removable wall section preferably forms the upper part of the front wall and the upper parts of both of the lateral walls and is used as an interchangeable decorative strip.