Sliding storage bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances often lack flexible storage solutions, limiting user customization and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A sliding storage bin system featuring a guide track on the appliance door with a mounting plate and tabs, allowing the storage bin to be removably coupled and actuated vertically, providing customizable configurations both within and outside the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed storage solution is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows it to move dynamically along a guide track between a retracted position (inside the appliance) and an extended position (outside the appliance). This dynamic positioning capability provides storage configuration flexibility without requiring multiple separate storage units, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track and mounting plate assembly serves multiple functions: it guides the sliding motion, provides structural support, and enables the storage bin to be positioned in different locations. This multi-functional design achieves versatility in storage configuration while avoiding the need for multiple separate components, thus balancing adaptability with device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the storage bin is made removable and slidable, then the ease of operation and customization improve, but the weight capacity and structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the storage bin and the guide track. The mounting plate provides a robust attachment interface with tabs that engage with the guide track, distributing the weight load across multiple contact points. This intermediary structure enables easy sliding and removal operations while maintaining sufficient weight capacity through its rigid construction and multi-point engagement design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage bin can be positioned both inside and outside the appliance, then the versatility increases, but the device complexity and potential instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism allows the storage bin to transition smoothly between fixed positions (inside and outside the appliance) rather than being continuously movable. This provides location flexibility while creating stable, defined positions at each end of the travel range, thereby maintaining reliability alongside versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate with tabs acts as an intermediary that provides positive engagement with the guide track at specific positions. This ensures stable positioning when the storage bin is either inside or outside the appliance, preventing unintended movement while allowing intentional transitions between positions, thus maintaining reliability during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated appliance includes a guide track mounted on a door of the refrigerated appliance. A mounting plate slidably engages with the guide track. The mounting plate is equipped with tabs. The mounting plate is actuatable along the guide track. A storage bin is equipped with receivers that removably engage with the tabs on the mounting plate. The storage bin moves with the mounting plate when the mounting plate is actuated along the guide track.