Appliance bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances with door-in-door configurations often lack efficient access to bins from both sides, limiting user convenience and storage flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable bin system is integrated within the appliance, featuring a bracket with a rotatable member that allows the bin to be moved between two positions, enabling access from either side by opening the first or second door, and a latch mechanism to maintain the bin's position during door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bin is fixed in position within the storage chamber, then the structure is simple and stable, but access from both sides is not possible and storage flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one through the rotatable member mechanism. The bin can rotate between a first position (accessible from first side) and a second position (accessible from second side), enabling dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through the straightforward rotational design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable bin mechanism is implemented to enable access from both sides, then storage flexibility and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bin system is segmented into the bin itself and the separate rotatable member mechanism. This segmentation allows the bin to be a simple storage container while the rotational function is handled by the distinct rotatable member, reducing overall complexity. The latch mechanism is further segmented into first and second portions coupled to different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed mounting structure and the movable bin. It provides the rotational motion capability without requiring complex drive mechanisms, motors, or control systems. The latch mechanism serves as an intermediary to maintain positional stability during door operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bin is made movable to increase storage flexibility, then accessibility from both sides is enabled, but the reliability of maintaining bin position during door operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism engages in advance to secure the bin in its operational position before door movement occurs. The first portion of the latch coupled to the bin and the second portion coupled to the appliance work together to pre-establish positional stability, preventing unintended movement during door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism provides preliminary counter-action to prevent the bin from moving during door operation. By engaging the latch before door movement, it counteracts any forces that might cause the bin to shift or rotate unintentionally when the door is opened or closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated appliance is provided herein. The refrigerated appliance includes a cabinet defining a compartment. A first door is coupled to the cabinet. The first door defines a storage chamber therein. A second door is disposed on an opposing side of the first door from the cabinet. A bin is disposed within the chamber. A bracket is disposed between the first door and the bin. The bracket includes a rotatable member to rotate the bin between first and second positions.