Refrigerator with slidable shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with sliding shelves face limitations in withdrawal distance and require significant force for operation, which hampers convenience and efficient space utilization in storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A sliding shelf system with a roller member and sliding rail assembly, including a triple rail configuration and elastic position control bump, allows for increased withdrawal distance and reduced operational force, ensuring smooth and stable movement while preventing sagging and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding shelf is installed using a conventional cantilever support member, then the shelf can be withdrawn forward from the storage compartment, but the withdrawal distance is limited and significant force is required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding rail assembly is divided into multiple segments: a first rail fixed to the storage compartment, a second rail that slides on the first rail, and a third rail that slides on the second rail. This segmented configuration allows the shelf to achieve greater withdrawal distance while distributing the mechanical load across multiple sliding interfaces, reducing the force required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-rail linear sliding mechanism to a multi-rail system where rails are arranged in series along the withdrawal path. This dimensional extension creates additional sliding stages, enabling the shelf to travel further while maintaining low operational force through the cumulative effect of multiple low-friction interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a sliding shelf system with extended withdrawal distance is implemented, then convenience is improved, but the structural complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sliding rail components (first rail, second rail, third rail) are merged into a single integrated sliding rail assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. The rails are configured to work together seamlessly, with each rail serving a specific function in the multi-stage sliding mechanism, thereby achieving extended withdrawal distance without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding rail assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sliding mechanism for shelf movement, acts as a structural support framework, defines the withdrawal distance limits through its geometry, and integrates with the storage compartment walls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while delivering convenience.
3Ease of operation
If the sliding rail assembly is exposed on the outer surface of the storage compartment, then the sliding mechanism is accessible, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding rail assembly is extracted from the visible outer surface and repositioned to be installed within the storage compartment interior. The rails are mounted on the inner walls and the sliding path is contained within the compartment space, making the mechanical components invisible from the exterior while preserving full sliding functionality from the inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding rail assembly is nested within the storage compartment structure, with the rails positioned in recesses or along the inner surfaces of the compartment walls. This nesting arrangement conceals the mechanical components within the existing structural boundaries, maintaining a clean external appearance while enabling the sliding mechanism to function fully within the nested space.
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
The enhanced sliding shelf system provides increased convenience and reliability by allowing easy and low-force operation, effective space utilization, and maintaining a clean outer appearance by hiding the sliding rail assembly, thus improving user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
A sliding shelf system with a roller member and sliding rail assembly
Implementation Method 2
a position control bump formed of an elastic material, the position control bump coming into contact with the sliding rail assembly to restrict the maximum withdrawal distance of the second shelf when the second shelf is withdrawn
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A refrigerator includes a sliding rail assembly (220) of a triple rail type, which is slidably installed to a sidewall of a storage compartment, a rail cover (230) to cover the sliding rail assembly, and a sliding shelf (100) removably coupled at one end thereof to the rail cover so as to slide forward or rearward relative to the storage compartment, which prevents sagging of the sliding shelf despite an increased withdrawal distance of the shelf, and results in enhanced quality.