Retractable Soft-Close Shelf Assembly with Tapered Guide Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelves with gravity-assisted channels or ramps face challenges such as reduced storage capacity, noisy operation, and perceived lower quality due to increased tolerance requirements, leading to binding or sticking issues.
Innovation Solution
A retractable shelf assembly with guides having channels on opposite transverse sides and a soft close mechanism, allowing the movable shelf to slide smoothly between extended and retracted positions, reducing the need for large channels and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity-assisted channels or ramps are used to facilitate sliding of the movable plate, then the movement of the movable plate is aided by gravity, but the channels or ramps must have dimensions significantly larger than the thickness of the movable plate, reducing storage capacity of the chilled chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into two functional segments: a gravity-assisted sloped portion that aids initial movement, and a tapered portion with decreasing width that guides the plate to its final position. This segmentation allows the channel to provide gravity assistance while maintaining compact dimensions that preserve storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel geometry transitions dynamically along its length, with the width varying from a larger inlet dimension to a smaller outlet dimension. This dynamic geometry allows the channel to accommodate the plate during insertion while providing gravity-assisted movement, and then guiding the plate to a snug fit in the retracted position, thereby reducing the overall channel dimensions needed.
2Reliability
If larger channels or ramps are used to increase space between movable plate and guides, then binding or sticking is avoided, but the movement of the movable plate becomes loose, noisy or irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The channel width is not uniform but varies locally along its length. The inlet portion has a larger width to prevent binding during insertion, while the outlet portion tapers to a smaller width that provides a snug fit. This local variation in dimensions allows the channel to provide adequate clearance where needed while maintaining tight tolerances in the final position, eliminating loose or noisy operation.
3Ease of operation
If increased tolerance of gravity assisted channels or ramps is used to prevent binding or sticking, then movement is facilitated, but the movable plate becomes stuck, partially or fully inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into a tolerance-friendly inlet portion and a precision outlet portion. The inlet can accommodate larger dimensional variations without causing binding, while the tapered outlet portion provides progressive guidance that prevents the plate from becoming stuck, ensuring reliable operation even with increased overall tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel geometry is designed to perform preliminary alignment and guidance actions on the movable plate during insertion. The tapered shape progressively guides the plate into the correct position, preventing misalignment that could lead to sticking or inoperability, while still allowing for increased manufacturing tolerances.
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 solution improves storage capacity and operational smoothness, reducing noise and perceived quality issues, providing a more reliable and user-friendly adjustable shelf system.
Implementation Method 1
The channels or ramps can be sloped or angled such that the movement of the movable plate is aided by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a soft close mechanism, the soft close assembly can be configured for engaging the striker
Data Source
AI summary
Retractable soft-close shelf system and assemblies for use with appliance are provided. Shelf assembly includes a fixed shelf with a guide defining a support surface and a movable shelf slidably mounted to the fixed shelf. Movable shelf can be moved between an extended and a retracted position Support surface can include a front portion and a rear portion. Front portion is positioned at a first guide angle and rear portion is positioned at a second guide angle. Movable shelf includes a front boss and a rear boss on opposite sides of the movable shelf. Front and rear bosses are received within the guide and are slidably supported by the support surface. Shelf assembly includes a striker extending from the bottom of the movable shelf and a soft close mechanism. Soft close mechanism is configured to engage the striker when rear boss contacts the rear portion of the support surface.