Under-Mount Crisper Rollers for Smooth Drawer Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing crisper drawer systems in refrigerators are complex to install and remove, often causing binding issues due to uneven movement, which complicates access and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A crisper system with an under-mount roller system that includes rollers extending from the drawer to move within channels on the support system, providing even resistance and easy installation and removal, while maintaining storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a track system is used to allow drawers to move within the compartment, then the drawers can be removed and reinstalled, but the structure becomes complex and binding occurs during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer movement system is segmented into multiple independent rollers (at least two rollers positioned at different locations on the drawer) that travel along separate channels. This segmentation allows each roller to move independently through the channel, preventing binding while maintaining the ability to remove and reinstall the drawer.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller channels extend not only in the horizontal direction (allowing drawer removal) but also in the vertical dimension (allowing the drawer to be lowered onto the rollers during installation). This dimensional change simplifies the installation process and reduces structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If one side of the drawer is moved faster than the other within the track, then the drawer can be accessed, but binding occurs and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is equipped with at least two separate rollers positioned at different locations (e.g., front and rear, or left and right sides). Each roller travels independently along its own channel, allowing different sides of the drawer to move at different speeds without causing binding, thus improving both ease of operation and movement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure acts as an intermediary guide that constrains the rollers to follow a predetermined path. This intermediary element ensures that even though rollers move independently, they remain synchronized in their overall movement, preventing binding while allowing flexible operation.
3Ease of operation
If rollers extend from the drawer to move within channels, then friction is reduced and movement is eased, but storage capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are positioned at specific localized areas on the drawer (typically at the corners or edges) rather than extending across the entire drawer structure. This localized placement minimizes the space occupied by the movement mechanism, preserving maximum storage capacity while still providing smooth movement through the channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers extend downward from the drawer rather than outward from the storage area. This vertical positioning allows the rollers to engage with channels in the support structure without encroaching on the horizontal storage space, thus maintaining storage capacity while enabling easy movement.
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 simplifies the installation and removal of crisper drawers, reduces friction, and maintains storage capacity by ensuring even movement and easy access to the storage area.
Implementation Method 1
The rollers are configured to be placed in the channels of the support system to aid in the movement of the drawer relative to the refrigerator compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided that includes a crisper system having one or more moveable and removable drawers. The drawers include rollers extending downwardly and outwardly from the drawers to provide maximum storage volume. The rollers are configured to work with channels formed in a support system, which may be integrally formed with a bottom floor of a compartment of the refrigerator. Therefore, the rollers and channels of the support system provide easy access and removability of the drawers of the crisper system.