Swivel Refrigerator Drawer Bins for Deep-Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator storage compartments face challenges with limited interior space and inconvenient access to items due to the compact nature of the compartments and the conventional stacking of goods, which requires users to remove multiple items to access a particular item, especially when items are buried or placed in the back of bins.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly with a full extension drawer and a swivel mechanism that includes a support member, allowing the bin to be rotated relative to the drawer, enabling access to sliding bins on opposite sides of the support member, with the bin and second bin being separately removable and having a lid for sealing, and the support assembly connected to the drawer to move with it, providing 360-degree rotation for improved access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage bins are placed in deep shelves and bins in the refrigerator, then the storage capacity is improved, but the accessibility to items is worsened because users have to remove or displace several items to obtain access to a particular item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support member rotatable relative to the drawer. The support member can rotate between a retracted position (where bins are accessible from the front) and an extended position (where bins are pulled out to the front of the drawer). This dynamic rotation mechanism allows the storage system to adapt between maximizing storage capacity and maximizing accessibility, resolving the technical contradiction between deep storage and easy access to items.
2Volume of moving object
If the refrigerator interior is made compact to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the accessibility to stored items is worsened due to limited interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing a rotation dimension to the support member. Instead of only linear movement, the support member can rotate on an axis perpendicular to the drawer movement, creating a second dimension of motion. This allows bins to be accessed by rotating the support member to bring them forward, improving accessibility within the compact refrigerator space without requiring additional linear space.
3Quantity of substance
If bins are placed at the back of the drawer to maximize space usage, then the storage density is improved, but the ease of access to items is worsened as items are buried and difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support member rotatable. When the support member rotates to the extended position, bins that were previously at the back of the drawer are brought to the front, making items easily accessible. This dynamic repositioning mechanism allows the system to maintain high storage density when bins are at the back while providing easy access when rotated forward, resolving the contradiction between storage density and ease of access.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly is provided for the storage and easy access of goods within a refrigerator cabinet. The refrigerator cabinet includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The storage assembly comprises a drawer, a swivel mechanism, and at least one bin. The drawer is supported by the side walls of the cabinet and is configured to extend outwardly relative to the back wall of the cabinet. The swivel mechanism is attached to the drawer and comprises a support member that is rotatable relative to the drawer. The at least one bin slidably supported by the support member.