Variable Refrigerator Shelf Structure to Prevent Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable shelves in refrigerators lack a mechanism to prevent separation from the support part when items are withdrawn, leading to reduced product life due to concentrated load on rotating protrusions and protrusion seating parts, and result in non-available space when the second shelf rotates up.
Innovation Solution
A variable shelf apparatus with a support part featuring rotating protrusion receiving grooves, guide grooves, and anti-separation parts that allow the rotating protrusions to be selectively coupled and separated between the upper and lower surfaces of the support part, preventing upward separation and reducing non-available space by distributing the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pair of rotating protrusions and rotating protrusion seating parts are formed on the upper surface of the second shelf and support part to enable rotation, then the variable shelf can rotate up to store taller items, but the load is concentrated on these parts causing shortened product life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is divided into an upper surface and a lower surface, with the rotating protrusion seating parts positioned on the lower surface instead of the upper surface. This segmentation redistributes the structural load paths and prevents concentration of stress on the rotating protrusions and their seating parts, thereby extending product life while maintaining the rotation function for storing taller items.
2Area of stationary object
If the rotating protrusion seating parts are disposed at the rear of the support part to reduce non-available space, then the spaced distance is reduced, but the load is concentrated on the rotating protrusions and seating parts
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating protrusion seating parts are repositioned from the upper surface to the lower surface of the support part, utilizing the vertical dimension to relocate components. This dimensional shift allows the seating parts to be positioned at the rear of the support part, reducing the non-available space, while simultaneously distributing the load through the thickness of the support part rather than concentrating it at the upper surface.
3Device complexity
If no separate member is provided to prevent upward separation of rotating protrusions, then the structure is simpler, but the variable shelf can be easily separated from the support part during item withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is segmented into upper and lower surfaces with the rotating protrusion seating parts located on the lower surface. This segmentation creates a structural configuration where the support part inherently prevents upward separation through its geometry, eliminating the need for separate restraining members while maintaining connection stability during item withdrawal.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable shelf apparatus and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The variable shelf apparatus includes: a first shelf part; a second shelf part configured to have the first shelf part slidably coupled therewith; and a support part configured to be installed in a storage room to slidably support the first shelf part and rotatably support the second shelf part, wherein the support part is configured such that a pair of rotating protrusions protruding at both sides of the second shelf part is selectively coupled and separated between an upper surface and a lower surface of the support part.