Removable Refrigerator Shelf Plate With Locking Latch Cleaning Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices require complete removal of shelves for cleaning, leading to user dissatisfaction and high costs due to potential damage and replacement of glass shelves during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A frame with a locking latch mechanism that allows easy mounting and removal of the plate by flexion, featuring a guide, resting surface, and a locking latch with a flap structure, which reduces the risk of accidental removal and damage, and incorporates a U-shaped resting surface and tie pieces for stability and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shelf plate is made as a fixed monolithic structure, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates because complete removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into two independent parts: a fixed frame structure and a removable plate. The frame remains permanently installed in the cooling device providing structural support, while the plate can be easily detached for cleaning without removing the entire shelf assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is extracted as a separate removable component from the fixed frame structure. This allows the plate to be taken out independently for cleaning purposes while the frame remains in place, eliminating the need to remove the entire shelf.
2Ease of operation
If the shelf plate is made from glass material, then the aesthetic appearance and ease of cleaning are improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to breakage risk during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the plate from the frame, the glass plate can be easily removed for cleaning without the structural constraints of a fixed assembly, reducing the risk of breakage during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking latch mechanism acts as an intermediary that securely holds the plate during normal use but allows easy removal when needed, providing controlled access that prevents accidental drops and breakage.
3Ease of operation
If the locking latch is made with high elasticity, then the ease of operation is improved for mounting and removal, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch has different mechanical properties at different locations: the main body is highly elastic for easy actuation, while the engagement portion has localized rigidity to prevent accidental disengagement during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure and resting surface are designed to prevent the plate from being accidentally removed by applying preliminary constraints that counteract unintended removal forces while allowing intentional removal through the locking latch mechanism.
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
Facilitates easy and controlled cleaning of the plate without requiring complete removal of the shelf, reducing the risk of damage and maintenance costs while enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a locking latch (8) mounted on the frame (3), having a flap (7) provided thereon, leaning against the plate (6) by flexing through the flap (7) being moved by the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a body (2), a frame (3) fixed to opposed walls in the body (2), a resting surface (4) provided in an inner portion of the frame (3), and a plate (6) placed on the resting surface (4), on which food products are placed.