Three-Sided Carrier Frame for Removable Refrigerator Shelf Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves for household refrigeration appliances do not provide a stable arrangement for plate elements that can be easily removed and reconfigured without compromising structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a three-sided carrier frame with a rear frame element and two opposing side frame elements, connected via plug-type and screw connections, allowing for stable plate element positioning while enabling easy removal of one plate element by accessing it from the side where there is no carrier frame, with integrated stowage units for space-saving storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a four-sided carrier frame is used to fully border the shelf plate, then structural stability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but ease of removing plate elements deteriorates due to restricted access from all sides
Solution Approach 1:
The front side frame element is completely removed from the carrier frame structure, creating an open front side. This extraction allows easy access to the plate elements from the front for removal and installation, while the remaining three-sided frame (rear and two side frame elements) maintains sufficient structural stability to support the shelf plate and stored items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plate elements are arranged next to each other in widthwise direction, then adaptability for different storage configurations is improved, but stability of arrangement deteriorates due to reduced support compared to front-rear arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf plate is divided into multiple separate plate elements that can be independently positioned, removed, and reconfigured. These segmented plate elements are arranged next to each other in the widthwise direction, supported by the three-sided carrier frame, enabling flexible storage configurations while maintaining stability through the frame structure and bearing platforms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate plate elements are used to form the shelf plate, then adaptability for reconfiguration is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is segmented into modular components: separate plate elements and a three-sided carrier frame with bearing platforms. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration of plate elements while keeping the carrier frame structure relatively simple and robust, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-sided carrier frame with its bearing platforms serves multiple functions: it supports the shelf plate, provides stable positioning for plate elements, and enables easy removal and reinstallation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf for a household refrigeration appliance has a shelf plate, which has a first plate element and a separate second plate element, which is arranged next to the first plate element in a use position in the widthwise direction of the shelf to form the a continuous shelf plate and which can be removed non-destructively to make the shelf plate smaller. The shelf further has a carrier frame, which only borders the edges of the shelf plate. The carrier frame is only configured around three sides of the shelf plate and has a rear frame element and two opposing side frame elements.