Rotatable Refrigerator Storage Bin for Access and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator storage components lack flexibility and accessibility, making it difficult to clean and adjust them without damaging other appliance parts, especially when trying to access items at the back of storage features.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly for refrigerators that includes a rotatable support base and storage bin with a mating pair of post and pocket, and a positioning prong and elastic finger mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment and cleaning by rotating the storage bin between home and distal positions while preventing damage to the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage components are made adjustable and repositionable within the chilled chamber, then flexibility in arranging storage components is improved, but accessibility to items at the back of storage features deteriorates and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly incorporates a rotatable support base that can pivot between a first position (flush with appliance surface) and a second position (extended outward). This dynamic positioning allows the storage bin to be rotated into an accessible position for cleaning or item retrieval, then returned to a flush position for a streamlined appearance, thereby resolving the contradiction between adjustability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage assembly is divided into separable components including a bracket, support base, and storage bin that can be detached from one another. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned or replaced, improving ease of maintenance while maintaining the adjustable positioning capability of the overall system.
2Ease of repair
If storage components are removed for cleaning, then ease of cleaning is improved, but risk of damaging other appliance parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support base acts as an intermediary component between the bracket and storage bin, providing a controlled detachment mechanism. The mated post and pocket features ensure proper alignment and gentle engagement/disengagement, allowing the storage bin to be removed for cleaning without exerting harmful forces on the bracket or other appliance parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable support base provides a dynamic, controlled movement path during removal and reinstallation of the storage bin. This controlled motion prevents sudden impacts or misalignment that could damage the appliance, while still allowing complete removal for thorough cleaning.
3Reliability
If storage components are made fixed and stable, then reliability of storage structure is improved, but flexibility in arranging storage components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support base provides a dynamic solution by being rotatable yet maintainable in stable positions. When rotated to the first position, it provides a stable, flush-mounted appearance; when rotated to the second position, it provides accessibility. The mated post and pocket features ensure reliable engagement in either position, thus maintaining structural reliability while enabling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotation between positions, and facilitates controlled removal of the storage bin. This multi-functionality allows a single component to maintain reliability while enabling the flexibility needed for different storage configurations and cleaning access.
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
Enhances flexibility and accessibility of storage components, facilitates easy cleaning, and protects other appliance components from damage by allowing the storage bin to be rotated and removed for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic finger may be in biased engagement with the positioning prong to motivate the storage bin away from the home position
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly for an appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance, is generally provided herein. The storage assembly may include a bracket attached to the appliance and a storage bin rotatably mounted to the bracket. The storage bin may rotate about a rotation axis, such as between a home position and a distal position angularly spaced apart from the home position when mounted to the bracket.