Tilting Bin Assembly for Door-in-Door Refrigerator Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing food items stored in additional storage bins within door-in-door refrigerator appliances is difficult due to tight spaces and user positioning.
Innovation Solution
A tilting bin assembly is integrated into the inner door, allowing the bin to tilt inward or outward based on the position of the inner door, providing easier access by rotating independently from the outer door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage bins are installed in the door-in-door assembly, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility to stored items deteriorates due to tight spaces and user positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is designed to tilt between a first position (when outer door is closed) and a second position (when outer door is open) independently of the inner door's position. This dynamic positioning allows the bin to automatically adjust its orientation based on door state, improving accessibility without sacrificing storage capacity. The mounting plate with channels and nubs enables this tilting motion while maintaining secure attachment.
2Device complexity
If the bin is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but accessibility deteriorates due to inability to adjust orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The bin transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one, tilting between two positions based on door state. This adds functionality without significantly complicating the overall structure, as the tilting mechanism uses simple geometric constraints (channels and nubs) rather than complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin automatically adjusts its position based on the door state without requiring user intervention. The mounting plate and channel-nub system enable the bin to self-adjust between tilted positions as the door opens or closes, improving accessibility without adding control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the bin tilts independently of door position, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is designed to tilt between a first position (when outer door is closed) and a second position (when outer door is open) independently of the inner door's position. This dynamic positioning allows the bin to automatically adjust its orientation based on door state, improving accessibility without sacrificing storage capacity. The mounting plate with channels and nubs enables this tilting motion while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin automatically adjusts its position based on the door state without requiring user intervention. The mounting plate and channel-nub system enable the bin to self-adjust between tilted positions as the door opens or closes, improving accessibility without adding control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A door-in-door assembly includes an inner door with a frame defining an opening. The inner door is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The door-in-door assembly further includes an outer door. The door-in-door assembly also includes a tilting bin assembly mounted within the opening of the inner door. The tilting bin assembly includes a bin defining an opening at a top side of the bin and includes a first nub and a second nub positioned on a first side. A mounting plate is removably coupled to the frame of the inner door. The mounting plate defines a first channel and a second channel configured to receive the first nub and the second nub, respectively, of the bin. The first nub is configured to translate within the first channel and the second nub is configured to translate within the second channel.