Three-Sided Refrigerator Shelf Frame for Easy Plate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelves with movable plate parts often lack stability when plate parts are arranged next to each other in the width direction, and they are difficult to remove completely from the support frame without complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a three-sided support frame with a rear frame and two side frames, where the second plate part can be easily removed by being pulled forward due to the open front design, and integrated storage units within the frame for compact storage in a non-use position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a completely enclosed frame is used to support plate sections, then the plate sections are held stably, but it becomes difficult to completely remove a plate section from the support frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing one side of the frame enclosure to create an open front design. This allows plate sections to be easily removed by pulling them forward from the open side, while the remaining three-sided frame structure maintains stability during use. The support frame consists of a rear frame section and two side frame sections, deliberately omitting the front frame section to enable easy access and removal.
2Ease of operation
If plate sections are arranged side by side in the width direction, then the shelf plate forms a continuous surface, but stability is reduced compared to enclosed frame designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating an asymmetric frame structure where the front is open while the rear and sides are enclosed. This asymmetric design provides stability through the three-sided enclosure while allowing easy access and maintaining the continuous shelf surface functionality. The rear frame section and side frame sections work together to stabilize the side-by-side plate arrangement without requiring a completely enclosed frame.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shelf (6) for a household refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a shelf plate (9) which has a first plate part (7) and a separate second plate part (8), which in a use position is arranged in the width direction (x) of the shelf (6) next to the first plate part (7) to form the (connected) shelf plate (9), and which can be removed without damage to reduce the size of the shelf plate (9), and with a support frame (10) which surrounds the shelf plate (9) at its edges, characterized in that the support frame (10) is formed only on three sides around the shelf plate (9), and has a rear frame part (12) and two opposing side frame parts (11, 13).