Refrigerator with a sliding shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator shelving does not accommodate large or tall items effectively, lacking flexibility in positioning.
Innovation Solution
A sliding shelf system with interconnecting links and tracks that allows the shelf to move between stowed and deployed positions, utilizing rollers for orientation change and biased locks for secure positioning, enabling flexible and adjustable storage within the refrigerator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shelving is used, then the structure is simple and fixed, but it cannot accommodate large or tall items and lacks positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be movable along tracks rather than fixed, allowing it to slide between stowed and deployed positions. This dynamic capability enables the shelf to adapt to different storage needs, accommodating both large/tall items in deployed position and maximizing space in stowed position, while maintaining a relatively simple track-based guidance structure
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf comprises multiple shelf plates spaced apart to create gaps, allowing items to be stored both on the shelf surface and in the gaps below. This segmentation enables versatile storage configurations without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, as the spaced plates themselves provide multiple storage zones
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf is designed to slide between stowed and deployed positions, then storage flexibility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases with links and tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf utilizes a dynamic sliding mechanism with tracks and links that allows smooth transition between stowed and deployed positions. The mechanism is designed to be guide-based rather than fully mechanical, using simple track constraints and linkages to enable movement without complex actuators or motors
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf incorporates self-latching capability through biased locks that automatically engage at predetermined positions during sliding movement. This self-service feature allows the shelf to secure itself at stowed and deployed positions without requiring external locking mechanisms or user intervention, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shelf plates are used to create gaps, then storage capacity for various items is improved, but the shelf structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple shelf plates with intentional gaps between them, creating distinct storage zones. This segmentation allows small items to be stored in the gaps while larger items rest on the plates, effectively increasing storage capacity without requiring additional separate shelves or complex modular assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The same shelf plate structure serves multiple functions: providing a surface for storing larger items on top, creating gap spaces for storing smaller items below, and maintaining structural integrity through the link-track mechanism. This multi-functionality increases storage versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sliding shelf system provides flexible positioning and increased storage capacity by allowing shelves to be oriented vertically or horizontally, accommodating larger items and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rollers to engage the pair of tracks, the plurality of rollers slide at least a portion of the at least one sliding shelf from a horizontal orientation in the deployed position to a vertical orientation when in the stowed position
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of biased locks fixing the position of at least one sliding shelf in at least the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance having one or more sliding shelves. The sliding shelf may slide along one or more tracks. The sliding shelf may include one or more shelf plates. The one or more tracks may be adjustable.