U-Shaped Bottle Holder for Corner-Mounted Refrigerator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household refrigerators lack a space-efficient and effective method for storing bottles or cans close to cooling surfaces, limiting storage capacity and quick cooling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A space-saving holding device with plate-like components, preferably made of sheet metal, plastic, glass, or ceramic, designed to fit snugly in a refrigerator's corner, featuring a V- or X-shaped cross-section, with adaptable dimensions and rubber feet for stability and easy cleaning, allowing bottles or cans to be stored efficiently near the compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bottles are stored in a storage container in the refrigerator door, then storage is convenient, but the space available for other foods is limited and the distance to cooling surfaces is large
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device utilizes the vertical dimension and corner space of the refrigerator by positioning bottles diagonally with necks pointing upward at an angle, rather than horizontal storage in door containers. This dimensional change allows efficient use of three-dimensional corner space while maintaining cooling efficiency through proximity to the compressor.
2Ease of operation
If bottles are stored in a storage container in the refrigerator door, then storage is convenient, but the distance to cooling surfaces is large preventing quick cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is pre-positioned in the corner of the refrigerator interior adjacent to the compressor, ensuring bottles are always stored in the coldest zone. This preliminary positioning action guarantees optimal cooling conditions and quick temperature reduction without requiring active user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from horizontal door storage to vertical diagonal storage in the corner, bottles achieve proximity to the compressor cooling source, dramatically improving thermal contact and cooling efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If shelves are used in special wine refrigerators, then bottles can be stored, but the space requirement is large making them unsuitable for normal refrigerators
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device exploits the vertical and diagonal dimensions of the refrigerator corner space, allowing multiple bottles to be stored vertically with necks pointing upward. This dimensional approach maximizes storage capacity within a minimal footprint, fitting approximately 6 bottles in the corner space.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is constructed from segmented plate-like components (base part and side parts) that can be individually positioned and assembled, allowing flexible adaptation to the corner geometry and efficient space utilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, space-efficient, and easily cleanable method for storing bottles or cans in refrigerators, ensuring effective cooling and optimal use of space, while preventing slipping and scratching.
Implementation Method 1
The holding device is equipped with a base part and two side parts adjoining the two sides of the base part... The holding device fits snugly in a bottom corner of the refrigerator... where it is cooled particularly effectively
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device e.g. refrigerator (9), has a holding device (10) for storage of bottles (5) or tins and including a base part (1) acting as a bottom and two side parts (2, 3) that are directed upwards from the base part and connected to both sides of the base part. A change-over (4) between the base part and the side parts is adapted to a form of an interior space of the refrigerator. Corner radii are formed at the change-over corresponding to radii of the refrigerator interior space. The holding device has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section and is formed from a plate-like semi-finished part.