Refrigerator Shelf Support Rail for Tool-Free Pull-Out Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances often require complex and costly pull-out systems for shelves, which can be impractical and expensive, especially in lower price segments, and lack efficient mechanisms for easy access and secure mounting of shelves.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance with a heat-insulated inner container featuring retaining grooves and a support rail with a fastening and guide section, allowing shelves to be easily pulled out and secured without tools, using a rigid angle profile with a form-fitting connection and optional locking mechanism, and a stop to prevent overextension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex pull-out systems are used for shelves, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail is divided into functionally distinct sections: a fastening section with contour adapted to the retaining groove for secure attachment, and a guide section for sliding shelf guidance. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rail is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and installed without tools. Rather than using complex mechanical pull-out systems, this simple rail provides sufficient functionality for shelf access while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Ease of operation
If tool-free mounting is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but mounting reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening section of the support rail has a contour that is adapted to the inner dimensions of the retaining groove, enabling the component to be mounted directly by insertion without requiring additional tools. The design allows the support rail to self-secure into the groove through its geometric compatibility, maintaining both ease of operation and mounting reliability.
3Device complexity
If shelves are held directly on side edges in inner container, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens due to lack of pull-out function
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail acts as an intermediary component between the retaining groove on the inner container and the shelf. It provides a sliding interface that enables pull-out functionality while maintaining a simple overall structure. The rail's guide section creates a low-friction interface that allows smooth shelf extraction and retraction.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device (1), comprising a heat-insulating inner container (4) which forms a storage chamber (3) for the goods to be cooled, at least one shelf (8) for supporting the goods to be cooled, and at least two retaining grooves (7) for the shelf (8), which are arranged opposite each other on the inner container (4), also comprising a carrier rail (9) comprising a securing section (12) which is designed to be inserted into the retaining groove (7) in order to secure the carrier rail (9) to the inner container (4), and a guide section (14) which is designed to displace the shelf (8) so that it can be retractably mounted on the shelf (8) in the storage chamber (3).