Storage unit for cooled goods with a cooled goods holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerated storage units are cumbersome to handle, especially when loaded with goods, as they require removal of overlying items to access lower ones, making it difficult to conveniently and safely remove refrigerated goods carriers.

Innovation Solution

A storage unit with an adjustable handle element that can be used as a handle for safe removal of refrigerated goods carriers in a horizontal direction, and when moved into a second position, securely fixes the carrier in the support frame using transversely oriented stop surfaces, allowing for easy handling and secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If refrigerated goods carriers are stacked one above another in the storage unit, then storage capacity is improved, but handling difficulty increases because all overlying carriers must be removed to access lower ones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into multiple levels with individual support contours for each carrier. Each carrier can be independently positioned and removed from its specific level without affecting others, enabling selective access to any carrier in the stack while maintaining vertical stacking for improved storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If refrigerated goods carriers are made removable for convenient handling, then handling ease is improved, but security of fixation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidfixation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle element is designed with movable arms that can dynamically transition between a locked position (where arms engage with the support frame to secure the carrier) and an unlocked position (where arms disengage to allow removal). This dynamic mechanism enables both secure fixation during storage and convenient handling when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If carriers are designed for horizontal removal, then handling ease is improved, but compatibility with vertical stacking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidstacking compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame features localized horizontal support contours at different vertical levels, each designed to accommodate carriers in a horizontal orientation. This local horizontal support structure enables carriers to be removed horizontally from their specific level while maintaining overall vertical stacking compatibility across multiple levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2420780B1Storage unit for cooled goods with a cooled goods holder
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2420780B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2420780B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP2420780B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The storage unit (2,3) has a storing chamber and a cooling good carrier that is fixed in a carrier frame (5). The cooling good carrier is extracted in horizontal direction. A grip element is moved in a position, in which it fixes the cooling good carrier in the carrier frame in form-fit manner.