Upper Refrigerator Drawer Linkage for Hard-to-Reach Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large refrigerators, especially side by side and bottom freezer types, it is difficult for users to access and retrieve items stored in the top areas of the freezer or refrigerator compartments due to their height and layout, making it cumbersome to place or remove items from these hard-to-reach spaces.
Innovation Solution
A drawer assembly is provided in the upper area of the storage chamber, comprising a first drawer that moves rearward and a second drawer that moves forward and downward, supported by a rail unit and linked to facilitate easy access to the top areas, with stoppers and dampers to control movement and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the refrigerator height and storage chamber depth are increased to store more foods, then the storage capacity is improved, but the accessibility to top area items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between retracted and extended positions. The link unit enables the drawer to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, moving forward and downward to bring top area items within user reach while maintaining full storage capacity in the vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer assembly introduces a new dimension of movement by combining forward horizontal motion with downward vertical motion. This dual-directional movement capability allows the drawer to access top area items by moving along both the horizontal and vertical axes, effectively solving the accessibility problem without compromising storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If a drawer assembly is added to improve accessibility to top areas, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: the drawer body, the link unit with shaft, stoppers for position limitation, and dampers for motion control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and making the complex movement mechanism more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The link unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drawer body and the refrigerator cabinet. It mediates the complex motion requirements by converting simple user input into the desired forward and downward movement, while the stoppers and dampers serve as intermediary elements that control and regulate the motion without requiring complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the second drawer moves forward and downward to reach top areas, then the accessibility is improved, but the risk of shock and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is installed in advance on the link unit to provide cushioning during the drawer's forward and downward movement. This beforehand cushioning mechanism absorbs shocks and dampens vibrations that occur during motion, preventing damage to the drawer assembly and its contents while ensuring reliable operation throughout the movement cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a refrigerator including a refrigerator cabinet comprising a storage chamber provided therein, a first drawer provided in the storage chamber, movable forward, a second drawer arranged in front of the first drawer, movable forward and downward, a rail unit configured to support the first drawer and the second drawer and guide the motion of the first and second drawers, and a link unit comprising a shaft coupled to the second drawer, to rotate the second shelf forward and downward.