Removable Refrigerator Crisper Bin With Slide-Out Drainage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional refrigerators lack a convenient and efficient way to access and clean bins, particularly those that require drainage of water or liquid, which can lead to issues with food storage and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design featuring a storage structure with a slide unit and removable bins that can be easily moved between open and closed positions, allowing for drainage through strategically placed openings and engagement structures that secure the bins to the slide unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If bins are fixed within the refrigerator compartment, then structural stability is improved, but accessibility and ease of cleaning are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility and ease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into separate components: a fixed slide unit that provides structural stability and a removable bin that can be easily accessed and cleaned. The bin is segmented from the slide unit through engagement structures that allow for simple attachment and detachment, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bin transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic removable position. The engagement structures enable the bin to move between attached and detached states, allowing it to be stable during normal use but easily removable for cleaning and maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If bins are made removable for easy cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability and secure attachment are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidsecure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The removal mechanism is segmented into discrete engagement structures (projections and receiving structures) that can be easily disengaged. These structures are designed to provide secure attachment during normal use but allow for simple detachment through minimal force or movement, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement structures act as intermediaries between the bin and slide unit. They provide a mechanical interface that ensures secure attachment during operation but allows for easy separation when needed, mediating between the requirements for stability and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixed bins are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but functionality for drainage and accessibility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfunctionality for drainage and accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the bin from the slide unit, allowing the bin to be manufactured separately with integrated drainage features. The engagement structures are added as simple attachment points, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling the bin to be removed for drainage and cleaning, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable bin design provides multiple functions: storage, drainage (through openings in the bin bottom), and easy cleaning. The engagement structures enable the same basic design to serve both as a secure storage container and as a removable, drainable unit, adding versatility without significantly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If bins have openings for drainage, then functionality is improved, but structural integrity and cleanliness maintenance are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity and cleanliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bin transitions between two states: attached to the slide unit where drainage openings allow water to pass through to the refrigerator pan, and removed for cleaning. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to maintain both drainage functionality and cleanliness by being removable for periodic cleaning, resolving the contradiction between drainage functionality and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9127878B2Tilt-out bin and removable crisper

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 ELECTROLUX CONSUMER PROD INC

AI summary

A storage structure (20) is provided for mounting within a refrigerator compartment (12). The storage structure (20) includes a slide unit (30) attached within the refrigerator compartment (12). The slide unit (30) is removably attached within the refrigerator compartment (12) and includes one or more projections (46) extending outwardly from the slide unit (30) for engaging receiving structures (18) within the refrigerator compartment (12). The storage structure (20) further includes at least one bin (22) removably attached to the slide unit (30), the at least one bin (22) includes an engagement structure that movably attaches the bin (22) to the slide unit (30).