Refrigeration appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration appliances face challenges in structural strength, complex assembly processes, and component management due to the numerous components required for the working chamber, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance design featuring a single-body base support extending from the front to the rear side with recesses to receive lateral side walls, reducing the number of components and simplifying manufacturing, while enhancing structural strength and allowing for a common subassembly usable across multiple models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple components (pleated sheet metals, brackets, insulating materials) are used to realize the working chamber, then the working chamber can be assembled, but the number of manufacturing steps increases and assembling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base support integrates multiple previously separate components (pleated sheet metals, brackets, insulating materials) into a single molded piece that simultaneously provides structural support, working chamber delimitation, and insulation functions, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The single-body base support performs multiple functions: it supports the appliance weight, delimits the working chamber, provides insulation, and connects to lateral side walls, replacing several specialized components with one multi-functional element
2Reliability
If high number of components are used for working chamber realization, then the working chamber can be constructed, but the insulation becomes complicated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base support combines structural and insulation functions into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate insulation materials and brackets, thereby simplifying the insulation system while improving reliability through reduced connection points
3Adaptability or versatility
If different refrigerator models require different components for working chamber, then model-specific functionality is achieved, but components management becomes complicated and handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-body base support is designed as a universal component that can be used across different refrigerator models, eliminating the need for model-specific components and simplifying components management and handling during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The base support is designed as a modular single-body component that can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for standardized production that benefits multiple models while maintaining ease of handling during assembly operations
4Strength
If traditional working chamber design is used, then the appliance can be assembled, but the structural strength of the cabinet is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base support merges the functions of structural support and working chamber delimitation into a single component that directly connects to the lateral side walls, creating a more rigid and structurally sound assembly compared to traditional designs with separate components
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigeration appliance (1; 101) having an outer cabinet (2) comprising at least one lateral side wall (2A, 2B) that extends from a front side to a rear side of the appliance (1; 101). The appliance (1; 101) comprises a working chamber (20) apt to receive at least one component for the functioning of said appliance (1; 101) and at least one base support (30, 32; 130, 132) at least partially delimiting the working chamber (20). The base support (30, 32; 130, 132) comprises a single body extending from the front side to the rear side of the appliance (1; 101) and further comprises a first recess (34) apt to receive a first lower edge (22A) of the lateral side wall (2A, 2B) and a second recess (38) apt to receive a second edge (24A) of the lateral side wall (2A, 2B) for the connection of the base support (30, 32; 130, 132) to the lateral side wall (2A, 2B).