Rotatable Shelf Elements for Flexible Refrigerator Storage Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack the ability to flexibly adapt the interior arrangement of shelves, leading to unsystematic storage of refrigerated goods due to a fixed compartmentalization.
Innovation Solution
A shelf system comprising a flat front element, a central element, and a flat rear element that can be rotated to form multiple parallel storage surfaces, allowing for flexible adjustment and automatic synchronization of the rear element's position with the front element's movement, enabling easy reconfiguration of storage spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If shelves are fixed in position to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability of the interior arrangement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple independent elements (front element, central element, rear element) that can be separately positioned and adjusted. Each element can be independently moved along guide rails and fixed at different positions, allowing flexible reconfiguration of the shelf layout while maintaining structural integrity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The shelf elements can be moved along guide rails and fixed at multiple positions using fixing mechanisms, enabling the interior arrangement to adapt to different storage needs while maintaining stability when fixed in position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are made adjustable to improve flexibility of arrangement, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails and fixing mechanisms serve multiple functions: they guide the movement of shelf elements, support the shelf structure, and provide fixing points for securing elements at different positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf elements are designed to be easily movable and fixable by the user without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or specialized tools. The fixing mechanisms can be simply engaged and disengaged by the user, making the adjustment process self-service oriented and reducing the complexity of the adjustment system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shelf elements are independently adjustable to improve storage flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent shelf elements can be coupled together using coupling mechanisms that allow them to be moved simultaneously as a single unit. This combining of multiple elements reduces the number of separate adjustment operations required, making the rearrangement process easier while still maintaining the flexibility to separate and independently position elements when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a shelf (110) for a refrigeration unit (100), wherein the refrigeration unit (100) defines a cooling compartment (101) in which the shelf (110) can be arranged. The shelf (110) comprises a flat front element, a flat central element, and a flat rear element. In a first arrangement of the front element and the rear element relative to the central element, the front element, the central element, and the rear element lie in one plane to form a continuous storage surface.The front element and the rear element are rotatably mounted on the central element such that the front element and the rear element can be arranged in a second arrangement relative to the central element, wherein in the second arrangement the front element forms a first shelf surface which is arranged parallel and offset above a second shelf surface which is formed by the central element, and the rear element forms a third shelf surface which is arranged parallel and offset below the second shelf surface. The invention further relates to a refrigeration unit (100) with such a shelf (110).