Under-Bin Glide Layout for Space-Efficient Refrigerator Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances face challenges in balancing competing factors such as cost, aesthetics, durability, and space efficiency for slideable storage components, which affect user experience and storage configuration flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of under-bin glides and slides with cooperating guide members and wheels, allowing for smooth, controlled movement of storage components while minimizing space usage and enabling customizable storage configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust and complex components are used to ensure repeatability and durability of slideable storage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slideable storage system is divided into separate components: a slide member attached to the storage component, and a separate guide member attached to the cabinet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member serves multiple functions: it guides the slide member along the desired path, constrains lateral movement, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If robust and complex components are used to ensure repeatability and durability of slideable storage, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a slide member and a guide member, each can be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes. The slide member can be a simple attachment to the storage component, while the guide member can be a separately manufactured component that is easier to produce at scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the storage component and the cabinet structure. This intermediary approach allows for standardized, pre-manufactured parts that can be assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing and assembly costs compared to integrated complex structures.
3Ease of operation
If slideable storage components are designed for smooth and accurate movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed to automatically guide the slide member along the correct path without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The geometry of the guide member itself provides the guidance function, allowing the system to self-regulate movement accuracy without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical systems with multiple moving parts to achieve smooth movement, the invention uses a simple guide member with a guiding surface that provides continuous directional guidance. This replaces complex mechanical guidance systems with a simpler geometric constraint system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for storage in a refrigerated appliance. One aspect includes glides or slides underneath and within the bottom perimeter dimensions of any bin or bin carrier relative to its supporting structure in the refrigerated appliance. This allows adjacent bins to more efficiently utilize lateral storage space in the refrigerator. It also promotes hiding of the glide or slides from view.