Shelf and refrigerator with the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelves with cantilever structures have exposed through-holes that detract from the appearance and can accumulate foreign objects, leading to odors and contamination, and as capacity increases, adjacent shelves may become dislocated due to uneven loads.
Innovation Solution
A support frame system with coupling holes and a cover mechanism that selectively opens and closes these holes, using a cover member and holder to prevent foreign object accumulation and maintain shelf alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If through-holes are provided in the support frame for shelf installation, then shelf positioning flexibility is improved, but foreign objects can enter and accumulate in the holes causing hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is pre-installed on the support frame to close the coupling holes before the shelf is installed. When the shelf is later installed, the coupling hole is opened only at the location where the shelf needs to be attached, preventing foreign objects from entering unused holes while maintaining shelf positioning flexibility
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple shelves are installed to increase storage capacity, then refrigerator storage space is improved, but adjacent shelves may become dislocated due to uneven loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member with opening/closing portions is pre-installed on the support frame. When shelves are installed, the opening/closing portions allow selective opening of coupling holes at specific locations, enabling precise positioning of multiple shelves at different heights and preventing dislocation due to uneven loads
Data Source
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AI summary
A shelf (20) and a refrigerator (10) having such a shelf (20) are provided. The shelf (20) may include a support frame (500) fixed to an inner surface of a storage compartment of the refrigerator (10), the support frame (500) including body (510) having a plurality of coupling holes (511a) formed along a longitudinal direction, spaced apart at predetermined intervals, and a cover (530) coupled to the body (510) to selectively open and close the plurality of the coupling holes (511 a). The cover (530) may include a fixing portion (531/533) for fixing the cover (530) to the support frame body (510), and a plurality of opening/closing portions (537) extending from the fixing portion, corresponding to the plurality of the coupling holes (511a), to independently open and close the plurality of the coupling holes (511a). One or more of the plurality of the opening/closing portions (537) may be moved by the shelf plate (600) to couple the shelf plate (600) to the support frame (500).