Tiered Refrigerator Shelf Layout for Flexible Container Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances often have insufficient load-bearing capacity and inefficient space utilization due to standard shelf designs that do not accommodate containers of varying sizes, leading to sagging shelves and suboptimal storage of refrigerated goods.
Innovation Solution
A tiered shelf design with offset flat sections and a transitional step section, allowing for flexible storage of containers of different heights and sizes, including Gastronorm containers, by creating multiple height settings and adjustable holder configurations to maximize storage capacity and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard shelves with uniform height are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load-bearing capacity is insufficient and shelves sag under heavy containers
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple sections with different heights (first shelf section, second shelf section, third shelf section) instead of a uniform structure. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific container sizes and weights, improving load-bearing capacity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the shelf have different heights and structural properties tailored to local requirements. The first shelf section has greater height for heavy containers, while other sections are optimized for their specific storage needs, allowing each part to have the quality needed for its function
2Quantity of substance
If uniform spacing between shelves is used, then the shelf structure is simple, but the space utilization is inefficient for containers of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is segmented into multiple height levels (first, second, and third shelf sections) that can accommodate containers of different heights. This allows efficient use of vertical space by matching shelf height to container height, maximizing storage capacity without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by creating shelves of different heights within the same horizontal plane. This dimensional approach allows containers of varying heights to be stored efficiently without increasing horizontal footprint or requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
3Quantity of substance
If heavier containers are stored on standard shelves, then the storage function is achieved, but the shelves sag and deform
Solution Approach 1:
The first shelf section is designed with greater height and potentially reinforced structure specifically for bearing heavier containers, while other sections have standard height for lighter items. This local quality approach ensures that heavy containers are stored on the most structurally capable section, preventing sagging and maintaining stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigerator, comprising a cooling chamber and at least one shelf for the cooled products stored in the cooling chamber between the inside walls of the cooling chamber. In order to provide a refrigerator having improved storage capacity for products to be cooled, the shelf has a first planar shelf surface section and a second planar shelf surface section that is vertically offset from the first planar shelf surface section.