Under-shelf storage bin for a refrigerator appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerator appliances often waste space between shelves and are not ideal for storing smaller items that can roll or get lost, as they lack efficient storage solutions for these items.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a bin assembly with a storage bin that is movable between open and closed positions, supported by a mounting bracket with a pin and guide rib system, and a latch assembly to secure it under shelves, allowing for optimal use of vertical space and secure storage of smaller items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional floating shelves are used in refrigerator appliances, then adjustable height mounting is achieved, but wasted space between shelves and stored items occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable height mountingVSAvoidwasted space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage bin is nested underneath the shelf structure, utilizing the vertical space between the shelf bottom and items stored below. The bin attaches to the shelf via the mounting bracket system, creating a nested configuration that eliminates wasted space without interfering with shelf adjustability or item storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional shelves are used for storage, then general storage capacity is provided, but storage of smaller items that roll or get lost is not ideal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsecurity of smaller items

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into two distinct components: the main shelf for general storage and the detachable storage bin for smaller items. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function optimally - the shelf provides bulk storage while the bin with its lid and rollers secures small items that would otherwise roll or get lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage bin incorporates rollers that enable dynamic movement between stored and accessible positions. The rollers allow the bin to be easily pulled out for access and pushed back for storage, providing reliability for securing small items while maintaining ease of access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If a storage bin is added underneath the shelf, then wasted space is minimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewasted spaceVSAvoidstorage system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket serves multiple functions: it attaches the shelf to the refrigerator wall, supports the shelf at adjustable heights, and simultaneously provides attachment points for the storage bin. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating mounting functions into a single component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for shelf and bin attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11460242B1Under-shelf storage bin for a refrigerator appliance

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator appliance includes a chilled chamber and a shelf positioned within the chilled chamber. The shelf is supported by lateral mounting bracket that define support features for an under-shelf storage bin. The support features include mounting pins and/or guide ribs that are configured to engage complementary rollers or hooking protrusions defined on the lateral sides of the storage bin. The support features permit a user to pull the storage bin away from the shelf along a transverse direction and/or pivot the shelf downward along the vertical direction.