Refrigeration appliance with a shelf assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration appliance shelf assemblies are inefficient in utilizing the inner volume due to the need for a second sliding axis to move the front shelf section underneath the rear shelf, which complicates operation and limits space usage.

Innovation Solution

A sectionally arranged shelf assembly with a front shelf unit that can be rotated 180 degrees around an axis parallel to the inner rear wall, using a single sliding axis railing system, allowing the front shelf to slide underneath the rear shelf, thereby increasing vertical space for larger containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual sliding axis railing system is used to move the front shelf underneath the rear shelf, then the shelf can be reconfigured to store larger items, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidrailing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes one of the two sliding axes from the traditional dual-axis railing system, retaining only a single sliding axis. This simplification maintains the essential function of moving the front shelf underneath the rear shelf while eliminating the complexity of the second axis, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex dual-axis system where both axes are required for movement, the patent inverts the approach by using a single axis and allowing the shelf to rotate 180 degrees to achieve the same reconfiguration effect. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining the versatility of shelf arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the front shelf is removed and placed over the rear shelf for temporary storage, then larger items can be accommodated, but the inner volume of the fridge is unnecessarily limited due to space occupation by the removed unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configuration flexibilityVSAvoidavailable refrigeration volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nesting arrangement where the front shelf unit can be positioned underneath the rear shelf unit, effectively nesting one shelf within the space created by the other. This allows the front shelf to be stored in a compact position when not in use, maximizing the available refrigeration volume while maintaining the flexibility to extend it when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3250866B1Refrigeration appliance with a shelf assembly

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 ARCELIK AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a household appliance and more particularly a refrigeration appliance having a shelf assembly (1 ) which is sectionally arranged and partly rotatable to provide a space-increasing shelf. More particularly, a refrigeration appliance is proposed, having a sectionally organized shelf assembly (1 ) in a refrigeration cabin thereof, the shelf assembly (1 ) comprising a front and a rear shelf units (2, 3) respectively neighboring in the depthwise direction of the refrigeration cabin, the front shelf unit (3) being displaceable relative to a pair of frames to which it is attached.