Refrigerator Shelf Carrier Hooking for Flexible Food Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration appliances lack structurally simple and space-saving storage options for food items that cannot be stacked or sorted, limiting efficient storage and transportation of such goods.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration appliance with a support element, such as a support plate, is integrated into the cooling chamber, allowing refrigerated goods carriers to be easily hung on one side, providing a modular and tool-free storage system that can be retrofitted, with adjustable height positions and easy handling for cleaning and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large dimensioned refrigerated goods carrier is divided into smaller segments by means of a space divider, then storage options for different foods are provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage optionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerated goods carrier is divided into multiple removable compartments or sections, allowing flexible storage organization without requiring complex fixed dividers. Each segment can be independently removed and repositioned

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The space divider is designed as a movable and adjustable component rather than a fixed structure, enabling users to reconfigure storage spaces dynamically based on their needs, thereby providing versatility without permanent structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If refrigerated goods carriers are hung on horizontally extending grate bars of a holding grate arranged on edge, then storage options are provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage optionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding grate structure is extracted and simplified to essential support elements only, removing unnecessary complexity from the original design while maintaining the core function of supporting refrigerated goods carriers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling easy hanging/removal of carriers, and allowing flexible positioning, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the storage arrangement can be retrofitted as a separate structural unit, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage arrangement is divided into modular components that can be independently installed and removed, allowing the system to be retrofitted in sections rather than requiring complete disassembly and reassembly of the entire refrigeration unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are designed to nest within or attach to existing structural features of the refrigeration appliance, utilizing available space and structures to minimize additional components while maintaining ease of installation and removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2414755B1Refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigerator, and shelf system therefore
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2414755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2414755B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2414755B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigerator, having a cooling chamber, in which at least one carrier for products to be cooled is provided. According to the invention, the cooling chamber is provided with at least one carrier element, into which the carrier for products to be cooled can be hooked on one side.