Refrigerator Shelf Support Structure for Horizontal Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances require shelves to be completely removed or tilted for height adjustment, which is inconvenient and often impossible due to door obstructions or loaded shelves.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates holding means with staggered support surfaces on the inner container and counter-holding means on the shelves, allowing for horizontal height adjustment without complete removal, using projections and grooves that overlap or gap as the shelf is pushed in or pulled out, ensuring secure holding and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are completely removed for height adjustment, then height adjustment is achieved, but operation complexity increases and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means are designed to allow dynamic movement of shelves between different height positions. The grooves in the side walls enable the shelf to slide horizontally while maintaining support, allowing easy adjustment from one height level to another without complete removal
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete height levels defined by the grooves at different positions in the side walls. Each groove represents a specific height level, and the shelf can be positioned at any of these predetermined levels by sliding to the corresponding groove location
2Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are tilted for height adjustment, then height adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic height adjustment through horizontal sliding motion along the grooves rather than requiring static tilting. The shelf moves smoothly between positions while maintaining its horizontal orientation, making the adjustment process simpler and more intuitive
3Adaptability or versatility
If door is opened wide for shelf removal, then shelf adjustment is possible, but space requirements increase and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism allows the shelf to be moved dynamically within the confined space of the closed or partially open door. The horizontal sliding motion along the grooves enables height adjustment without requiring the shelf to be completely removed or the door to be opened wide
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves act as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates shelf adjustment within the limited space available when the door is closed or partially open. The grooves guide the shelf movement and provide the necessary clearance for adjustment without requiring additional opening space
4Ease of operation
If shelves are loaded with goods for adjustment, then usability is maintained, but adjustment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sliding mechanism along the grooves allows the loaded shelf to be adjusted by simple horizontal motion rather than requiring complete removal. The groove structure supports the shelf weight during movement, making it feasible to adjust shelves even when they are fully loaded with goods
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigeration device (1), comprising a heat-insulating inner container (4) forming a storage chamber (3) for the goods to be cooled, a door leaf (2) which is mounted so that it can pivot in relation to an opening plane (O) for opening and closing the storage chamber (3), and holding means (7) which are provided on the side walls of the inner container (4) and which interact with the counter holding means (9) of at least one shelf (8) and support said shelf, and the holding means (7) comprise at least one upwardly pointing bearing surface (7a) and the counter holding means (9) comprise at least one downward pointing support surface (9a). The at least one bearing surface (7a) is formed and/or arranged on the inner container (4) and the at least one support surface (9a) is formed and/or arranged on the shelf (8) in such a manner that when the shelf (8) is in the inserted position, in which the door leaf (2) can be closed, the at least one bearing surface (7a) and the at least one support surface (9a) overlap and when the shelf (8) is in a position which is partially withdrawn from the inner container (4), the at least one bearing surface (7a) and the at least one support surface (9a) are arranged in gaps.