Refrigerator Shelf Edge Profile for Modular Snap-On Redesign
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration devices, such as household refrigerators, lack the ability to easily vary or redesign storage shelves to match different models and designs, limiting adaptability and aesthetic flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a snap-on, push-on, and/or clamping connection system for a profiled strip along the edge strip or framing element of storage shelves, allowing for the easy attachment and detachment of profiled strips with varying geometric shapes and materials, enabling the shelves to be adapted to different designs and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage shelves are manufactured with fixed designs using traditional joining methods (adhesion or injection molding), then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of redesign are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage shelf is divided into separate components: a frame structure, a panel, and a profiled strip. The profiled strip is detachably connected to the frame, allowing it to be separated and replaced independently. This segmentation enables different profiled strips to be attached to the same basic shelf structure, providing design variety without increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the profiled strip and the frame is made detachable rather than permanent. The profiled strip can be removed and reattached, or replaced with different strips, making the shelf design dynamic and adaptable to different aesthetic requirements while maintaining a simple underlying structure.
2Ease of operation
If profiled strips are permanently fixed to storage shelves using adhesion or injection molding, then structural stability and manufacturing precision are improved, but ease of operation for redesign and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into detachable components with specific joining features. The profiled strip has projections that engage with corresponding recesses in the frame, creating a secure but removable connection. This allows the strip to be firmly fixed during normal use yet easily removed when redesign is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The profiled strip can be securely attached during operation but can also be easily removed and reattached or replaced, providing both reliability during use and ease of operation for modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage shelves are designed with fixed geometric shapes and materials, then manufacturing simplicity and structural reliability are improved, but adaptability to different refrigeration device designs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is segmented into a standardized frame structure and interchangeable profiled strips. The frame and panel can be manufactured once in standard configurations, while different profiled strips with varying geometric shapes and materials can be produced separately and attached as needed, providing design flexibility without complicating the core manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal frame structure is designed that can accommodate multiple types of profiled strips with different geometric shapes and materials. This universal base structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling easy attachment of various strips, and adapting to different refrigeration device designs, thereby simplifying overall manufacturing while enhancing adaptability.
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
This solution allows for simple and flexible adaptation of storage shelves to various refrigeration device designs, enhancing visual appearance and usability by enabling the use of different profiled strips, which can be easily mounted and replaced, ensuring a secure and reversible fastening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one outer profiled strip is seated on the edge strip or framing element of the respective storage shelf along part of or all of its longitudinal extent by at least one snap-on, push-on and/or clamping connection
Implementation Method 2
The refrigeration device has at least one internal container and at least one storage shelf which may be mounted in at least one interior space of the internal container
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigerator, includes at least one internal container having at least one storage shelf. An edge strip or framing element is attached along at least one edge portion of the storage shelf. Seated on the edge strip or framing element of the storage shelf along part of or all of its longitudinal extent is at least one outer profiled strip and connected by at least one snap connection, plug-in connection and/or clamp connection.