Wall-Mounted Refrigerator Storage Assembly to Minimize Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator shelving systems consume valuable storage space due to structural brackets and frames that limit vertical height and reduce the usable interior volume, making them inefficient for storing food items.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly with a mounting bracket and cavity frame that includes a downward-sloping bottom portion and a pivoting or sliding mechanism, allowing for adjustable storage configurations that maximize vertical space and accessibility within the refrigerator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural brackets and frames are used to support shelves, then the shelves can be supported and organized, but the vertical height and usable interior storage volume are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional structural brackets and frames from the shelf support system. Instead, shelves are directly mounted to the refrigerator wall using minimal mounting hardware, extracting the unnecessary structural components that were consuming storage space while maintaining shelf support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional bracket structure extending into the storage space to a two-dimensional wall-mounted configuration. By mounting shelves directly to the wall surface, the support structure is confined to the wall plane, eliminating the vertical space consumption of traditional brackets.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional shelves with frames are used, then structural stability is provided, but storage versatility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable mounting brackets that can be repositioned along vertical tracks, allowing shelves to be dynamically adjusted to different heights and positions. This dynamic configuration system replaces fixed traditional shelves, providing both structural stability and adaptability to various storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate multiple shelf types and configurations within a single universal framework. The same mounting brackets and tracks can support various shelf styles, sizes, and positions, making the system multi-functional and highly versatile for different storage requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If existing shelving systems are used, then food items can be stored, but dead space is consumed and storage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage space into multiple adjustable shelf segments that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows optimal utilization of vertical space by placing shelves at precise intervals, eliminating dead space between shelves and maximizing the quantity of food that can be stored efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage systems for use in consumer appliances are provided. Storage system can be a storage assembly defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions being mutually perpendicular. The storage assembly includes a mounting bracket, a first mounting tab and a second mounting tab extending in the transverse direction from a first end of the mounting bracket. The first mounting tab and the second mounting tab are configured to be inserted into a mounting track disposed within the consumer appliance. The storage assembly also includes a storage receptacle which is supported at a second end of the mounting bracket.