Spring-Loaded Drawer Divider for Secure Adjustable Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable dividers in storage drawers of refrigeration appliances lack a secure and user-friendly mechanism for adjusting the dimensions of storage sections, which can lead to inefficient organization and potential safety hazards, especially for children.
Innovation Solution
A spring-operated mechanism with a handle and compression springs is integrated into the divider, allowing for adjustable positioning between side panels, secured by screws that require a tool for removal, and featuring a grasping site and meshing projections/recesses for secure placement, ensuring safety and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple divider structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the divider cannot be securely adjusted and may be accidentally removed by children
Solution Approach 1:
The divider employs a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts to different positions. The compression spring allows the handle to be easily pressed for repositioning while automatically returning to secure the divider in place, providing both ease of adjustment and secure retention without complex fastening systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handle as an intermediary component between the user and the divider mechanism. The handle transmits user force to the compression spring and divider assembly, enabling easy repositioning while the spring mechanism acts as an intermediary to maintain secure holding force without requiring direct user intervention or complex locking systems
2Reliability
If a secure adjustment mechanism is implemented, then divider reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability where the compression spring automatically adjusts the holding force based on the divider position. The handle can be easily pressed to overcome spring force for repositioning, then automatically returns to secure the divider, simplifying operation while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring mechanism is self-regulating and automatically secures the divider in place without requiring user intervention for locking or securing. The spring force automatically engages retention features (projections and recesses) to hold the divider securely at any position, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tool-removable screws are used, then accidental removal by children is prevented, but adjustment requires tools which reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from a permanent fixed structure and implements it through a removable handle assembly that can be easily detached and reattached. The handle with integrated spring mechanism can be removed and reinstalled without tools, providing secure adjustment capability while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transforms the static, tool-secured connection into a dynamic, spring-loaded connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The compression spring provides sufficient holding force to prevent accidental removal by children while allowing intentional repositioning by simply pressing the handle, eliminating the need for tools
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 solution provides secure, adjustable storage sections that can be easily customized by users while preventing accidental removal, enhancing safety and organization within refrigeration compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The spring operated mechanism includes a compression spring arrangement located between the handle and the upper edge of the divider urging the divider away from the handle downwardly towards the bottom panel of the storage receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly comprising a storage receptacle includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel joining the front panel to the rear panel and a second side panel joining the front panel to the rear panel. The front panel, the rear panel and the first and second side panels define a storage space within the confines of the front panel, the rear panel and the first and second side panels. A divider is located within the storage space and extends between the front panel and the rear panel and divides the storage space into storage space sections. A spring operated mechanism engages the divider to selectively maintain the divider in place in the storage space and allows for the position of the divider to be adjusted between the first side panel and the second side panel, whereby the dimensions of the storage space sections can be adjusted.