U-Shaped Refrigerator Shelving With Sliding Tuck Shelf Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator shelving systems do not efficiently utilize space, making it difficult to store taller and larger items without adjusting shelf heights, and do not provide a panoramic view of the interior, which limits storage capacity and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped shelving system with a tuck shelf that slides backward to fit under a removable shelf, allowing for adjustable storage configurations and a panoramic view, enabling better accessibility and storage of larger items without altering shelf heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional refrigerator shelving systems are used, then the shelf structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the space utilization is poor and it is difficult to store taller and larger items
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into multiple independent components: U-shaped shelves that extend along the sides and back, removable shelves that can be taken out, and tuck shelves that can be positioned in different locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions and enables flexible reconfiguration to accommodate items of various sizes without changing the overall shelf structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system incorporates movable and adjustable elements including removable shelves that can be completely taken out, tuck shelves that can be slid to different positions, and adjustable height configurations. These dynamic features enable the storage space to adapt to different storage needs, particularly for taller and larger items, while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional shelving systems are used, then the structure is simple, but accessibility to items in the back and sides is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into multiple independent components: U-shaped shelves that extend along the sides and back, removable shelves that can be taken out, and tuck shelves that can be positioned in different locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions and enables flexible reconfiguration to accommodate items of various sizes without changing the overall shelf structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped shelves are pre-configured to extend along the sides and back of the refrigerator cavity, creating open access pathways from the beginning. This preliminary arrangement ensures that items stored in the back and side areas are always accessible without requiring reconfiguration of the shelf structure.
3Shape
If conventional shelving systems are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the interior view is not aesthetically pleasing and does not provide a panoramic view
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped shelves create a curved, panoramic viewing area that allows users to see items throughout the refrigerator cavity without obstruction. This curved configuration replaces conventional straight shelves and provides an aesthetically pleasing interior view while maintaining functional storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator cabinet including a plurality of U-shaped shelves is provided. Each of the plurality of U-shaped shelves includes left, right and back portions located in a horizontal fashion with one shelf above another. A mounting structure is provided for supporting the U-shaped shelves; and a removable shelf is located within one or more of the U-shaped shelves. In addition, a tuck shelf is mounted in at least one of the plurality of U-shaped shelves, the tuck shelf being disposed either against at least a back portion of the at least one U-shaped shelf or between the removable shelf and a portion of the at least one U-shaped shelf that is closest to a user of the refrigerator.