Storage device and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg holders in refrigerators are simple and prone to causing collisions and contamination among eggs, and are inconvenient for users to access due to their static nature.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable storage device with multiple boxes equipped with egg grooves, a rotating shaft, and damping masses that allow smooth rotation and stabilization, featuring a disk-shaped damping mass with a hollow protruding portion for reduced friction and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If eggs are placed directly in simple egg holders in the refrigerator, then the storage structure is simple, but the eggs are easily collided and damaged or contaminated with other foods
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple independent boxes, each containing a specific number of eggs (e.g., 7 eggs per box). Each box is a separate compartment that can be individually handled, preventing eggs from colliding with each other or other foods. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving egg safety through isolated storage.
2Device complexity
If eggs are placed in a static egg holder, then the storage structure is simple, but it is very inconvenient to pick the eggs from a partially stacked egg holder
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device incorporates a rotating shaft that allows the boxes to rotate horizontally. Users can easily rotate the shaft to bring any box to a convenient access position, making egg retrieval simple even when the holder is fully stocked. This dynamic feature dramatically improves ease of operation while adding only minimal structural complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If damping masses are added to the rotating shaft to enable stable positioning, then the rotation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Damping masses are attached to the rotating shaft at specific positions to provide automatic stabilization. When the boxes rotate, the damping masses naturally settle at the lowest position due to gravity, automatically indicating the rotation status and providing stable positioning without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service approach improves rotation stability while minimizing additional complexity.
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 safe and convenient storage and retrieval of eggs by ensuring smooth rotation and stability, preventing collisions and contamination while maintaining the structural integrity of fragile eggs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of damping masses configured to be respectively engaged with the outside of the plurality of engaging portions and located between the boxes and the engaging portions, so that the boxes can stay stationary at any rotation position at any time when being rotated around the rotating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a storage device for a refrigerator, including: a plurality of boxes, a rotating shaft and a plurality of damping masses, so that the boxes can stay stationary at any rotation position at any time when are rotated around the rotating shaft, which ensures smooth rotation of the boxes during the opening and closing thereof, and thus facilitates the user to pick and place eggs and improves the stability of the fragile eggs within the rotating boxes.