Refrigerator Support Rail Design for Tool-Free Shelf Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration devices often require complex and expensive pull-out systems for shelves, and some models are not designed to accommodate shelves other than directly on their side edges, making it difficult to mount and remove shelves efficiently without tools.
Innovation Solution
The use of rigid support rails that can be manually inserted into retaining grooves on the inner container, featuring a fastening section with a contour matching the groove for secure attachment, a locking mechanism for form-fitting retention, and a stop to limit shelf extension, allowing shelves to be easily pulled out and stored without tools, and optionally equipped with a roller for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex pull-out systems are used for shelves, then shelf accessibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pull-out system is segmented into simple functional components: support rails with guide sections that provide linear movement guidance, and shelves with strips that engage with the rails. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving smooth shelf extraction without complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rails act as intermediary elements between the inner container and the shelves. The rails provide a simple guiding interface through which shelves can be easily extracted and repositioned, mediating the interaction between the fixed container structure and the movable shelves without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If shelves are mounted directly on inner container side edges, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ease of removal are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the shelves, guide their movement during extraction, and enable easy repositioning along the inner container walls. This multi-functionality allows a single simple component to achieve adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static direct-mount configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The support rails allow shelves to be easily moved between different positions and heights, providing adaptability while maintaining simple construction through the use of basic mechanical interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If shelves are allowed to extend fully, then accessibility is improved, but stability and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stop sections on the support rails preliminarily prevent excessive shelf extension before instability can occur. By providing a mechanical stop at the appropriate extension point, the system preemptively counteracts the potential harmful effect of over-extension, maintaining shelf stability while still allowing sufficient accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the extension parameter of the shelves by incorporating stop sections at specific positions on the support rails. This parameter control allows the shelf to extend to the optimal length for accessibility while preventing further extension that would compromise stability, thus optimizing both accessibility and safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a thermally insulated inner container (4) which forms a storage space (3) for refrigerated goods, at least one shelf (8) for storing refrigerated goods, and at least two retaining grooves (7) arranged opposite each other on the inner container (4) for the shelf (8), and comprising a support rail (9) with a fastening section (12) which is designed for insertion into the retaining groove (7) in order to attach the support rail (9) to the inner container (4), and with a guide section (14) which is designed for slidably guiding the shelf (8) in order to store the shelf (8) in a pull-out manner in the storage space (3).