Refrigerator Shelf Transport Securing Element With Edge Recess

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration devices lack an effective means to securely fix shelves during transport, leading to potential damage due to temporary and unreliable packing methods.

Innovation Solution

A transport securing element is positioned between the lateral shelf edge and the lateral container wall of the refrigeration device, featuring a recess that encloses the shelf edge to provide a firm contact and prevent accidental release, while efficiently using space and avoiding obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packing taping is used to temporarily secure shelves, then the shelves can be fixed during transport, but the fixation is unreliable and shelves may still be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport securing element is designed to be self-securing through its recess structure that automatically engages with the lateral shelf edge when positioned between the container wall and shelf. The element does not require additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps, as its geometry inherently provides the securing function through simple insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transport securing element appears to be a simple, inexpensive component made from basic materials, designed for single-use during transport operations. Its straightforward geometry and lack of moving parts suggest it can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, aligning with the principle of using simple, disposable securing elements rather than complex reusable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Area of stationary object

If a transport securing element is positioned between the lateral container wall and lateral shelf edge, then space is efficiently used, but the element must be precisely positioned to avoid obstructing the view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable space in cooling chamberVSAvoidvisibility into cooling chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transport securing element is positioned specifically at the lateral shelf edge area, providing securing function only where needed. This localized positioning allows the rest of the cooling chamber to remain unobstructed, maintaining visibility and access to the majority of the storage space while still achieving effective shelf securing at the critical edge location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element utilizes the lateral dimension (depth direction) by positioning itself between the container wall and shelf edge, rather than protruding into the front-to-back storage space. This dimensional placement ensures that the element secures the shelf effectively while remaining hidden from the front view and not obstructing the cooling chamber's primary storage volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the recess encloses the lateral shelf edge, then firm contact is achieved preventing accidental release, but the element requires precise geometric design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf securing reliabilityVSAvoidrecess geometry precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is pre-formed with the exact geometry needed to engage the lateral shelf edge. This preliminary design ensures that when the transport securing element is simply inserted into position, the recess automatically provides the correct contact points and engagement geometry, eliminating the need for complex assembly or adjustment operations during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20180156538A1Refrigeration device comprising a transport securing element
Publication Date: 2018.06.07 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • US20180156538A1 patent drawing
  • US20180156538A1 patent drawing
  • US20180156538A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A refrigeration device having a heat-insulated inner container, which is configured to delimit a cooling chamber for storing refrigerated goods, wherein the inner container has a lateral container wall. The refrigeration device includes a shelf mounted on the inner container, wherein the shelf has a lateral shelf edge, and a transport securing element for securing the shelf during transport of the refrigeration device, wherein the transport securing element is positioned between the lateral container wall and the lateral shelf edge, and wherein the transport securing element is formed with a recess, which is configured to enclose the lateral shelf edge.