Sliding Refrigerator Shelves With Multi-Position Space Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator and freezer shelves lack adaptability to accommodate varying sizes of food items, as they are limited by fixed positions and do not efficiently utilize internal space, especially when larger items need additional space, and prior solutions like detachable or sliding shelves either require removal or lack effective space-saving arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The development of sliding shelves with external frames and support guides that allow for four different positional configurations, including extended, retracted, vertically bounced, and partially bounced arrangements, enabling flexible space usage without removing parts, and featuring a locking system for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are made detachable to allow removal when not in use, then space adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system employs sliding shelves that can dynamically change position along guide rails, transitioning between extended and retracted states. This dynamic positioning allows the shelf to adapt to different storage needs without requiring complete removal, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is divided into a front shelf and a rear shelf that can be independently positioned at different locations along the guide rails. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement (four different positions) to accommodate various food packaging sizes while maintaining ease of operation through simple sliding movements.
2Device complexity
If shelves are fixed in position to maintain structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot accommodate varying food sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the shelves, enable sliding movement for position adjustment, and define the tracking path for the shelf components. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front shelf can be positioned to overlap with or nest alongside the rear shelf along the same guide rails, allowing compact arrangement when space needs to be minimized while maintaining the capability for full extension when larger storage is required.
3Ease of operation
If sliding shelves are implemented to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they lack multiple positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system adds a longitudinal dimension to the traditional shelf design by incorporating guide rails that extend along the depth of the refrigerator. This allows shelves to be positioned at multiple locations along this dimension, providing both improved accessibility through forward sliding and enhanced adaptability through multiple stable positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to sliding shelves for refrigerators and freezers, which have a movement along side support guides that enable the retracting, fitting and bounce of said shelves, allowing the choice of different configurations for the inner space of the household appliance, according to the area to be used to store food. This configuration enables different arrangement of shelves, including: extended shelves, retracted shelves, vertically bounced shelves, or even, in an associated form, an extended shelf and another bounced one.