Refrigerator Storage Container with Movable Divider on Guide Rails
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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 customize the size and arrangement of storage compartments, hindering optimal space utilization and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A movable divider system with guide rails, pinion gears, and a cam gear mechanism, allowing the divider to be adjusted and locked into various positions using an operating unit, enabling flexible division of storage space into multiple compartments of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing users to adjust its position along the guide rails to change the size and configuration of storage compartments. The divider includes a moving unit with rollers that travel along the guide rails, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of storage spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable divider is provided at multiple predetermined positions, then the divider can be repositioned to some extent, but the position is still limited and cannot freely use the storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The divider employs a continuous guide rail system with rollers that allow smooth movement to any position along the rail, rather than being limited to discrete predetermined positions. This dynamic positioning capability enables flexible adaptation to various storage needs while maintaining ease of operation through simple manual sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system is segmented into multiple sections with rollers positioned at intervals, allowing the divider to be stopped at various positions while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables flexible positioning without requiring a completely complex continuous adjustment mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable divider with guide rails and gear mechanism is used, then the storage space can be freely divided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divider incorporates a moving unit with rollers that travel along guide rails, providing smooth and precise movement. The guide rails are equipped with rack gears that engage with pinion gears on the divider, enabling controlled movement and positioning. This dynamic mechanism allows free adjustment of storage compartment sizes while maintaining a relatively simple and reliable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam gear mechanism automatically locks the divider at desired positions without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems. The cam gear engages with the guide rail structure to provide self-locking functionality, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining full adjustability.
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 multiple storage compartments of different sizes, addressing the limitations of fixed or detachable dividers in conventional refrigerators.
Implementation Method 1
pinion gears coupled to the both ends of the divider shaft to guide the movement of the divider through interaction with the rack gear
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
Data Source
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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.