Sliding Folding Refrigerator Shelf for Tall Item Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack shelving arrangements that can accommodate tall food items, and existing solutions do not provide easy access to items stored on shelves, as they are not slidable or pivotable.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a shelf assembly that includes sliding and pivotable components, featuring a first and second shelf portion with projections and receiving portions, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy access by sliding or pivoting the shelves to accommodate tall items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shelving arrangements are used, then the structure is simple and stable, but tall food items cannot be accommodated and access to items is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly incorporates movable components including slides that allow the shelf to move between retracted and extended positions, and a pivotable first shelf portion that can rotate between a first position (blocking access) and a second position (allowing access). This dynamic design enables users to access tall items stored behind the first shelf portion by pivoting it forward, while maintaining structural stability when in the closed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a first shelf portion that is pivotably attached to allow forward rotation, a second shelf portion that remains stationary or moves with the slide, and separate slide mechanisms. This segmentation allows the first shelf portion to be independently manipulated to access tall items without moving the entire shelf structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotable shelf portion is added to accommodate tall items, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable first shelf portion is integrated with the sliding mechanism such that both functions (pivoting and sliding) are combined in a single assembly. The first shelf portion is attached to the slide mechanism, allowing it to both pivot forward for access and slide in and out along with the rest of the shelf. This merging reduces the number of separate components compared to having entirely independent pivot and slide mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf is made slidable for easier access, then ease of operation improves, but stability and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism is designed with localized movement capability, allowing the shelf to slide horizontally along guided rails while maintaining vertical stability. The slide mechanisms are positioned at specific locations (front and rear of the shelf assembly) to provide controlled movement without compromising the overall structural integrity of the shelf when in the retracted position.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a shelf assembly positioned within a compartment. The shelf assembly includes a first shelf portion attached to a first slide and having at least one projection, and a second shelf portion attached to a second slide and having at least one receiving portion. The first and second shelf portions are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one projection selectively engages the at least one receiving portion. Further, the first shelf portion is movable between a lowered position and a raised position when the first shelf portion is in the retracted position.