Wine Cabinet Shelf Edge Supports for Higher Bottle Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wine cabinets with grate shelves have limited storage capacity due to the inability to support an equal number of bottles in upper layers, as only peripheral bottles can be supported, leading to inefficient use of shelf space.
Innovation Solution
A support part is fixed to the edge of the shelf, allowing bottles to be positioned above the edge, preventing them from falling and enabling two bottles from the upper layer to be placed on each bottle in the lower layer, with a curved receptacle for secure storage and optional angled positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bottles are stacked in multiple layers on the shelf, then storage capacity is improved, but the upper layer cannot be provided with the same number of bottles as the lower layer due to lack of support at edge regions
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented by adding separate support parts at specific locations (edge regions) rather than requiring continuous support across the entire shelf. These discrete support parts extend the bearing surface at critical locations, enabling upper-layer bottles to be properly supported without needing to redesign the entire shelf structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support parts extend in the vertical dimension from the shelf surface, creating additional support levels. This vertical extension allows bottles in the upper layer to be supported at their base, enabling proper stacking geometry and increasing the number of bottles that can be stored in multiple layers.
2Ease of operation
If the shelf structure is simplified to allow flexible bottle placement, then ease of operation is improved, but storage capacity is reduced due to inability to utilize edge regions
Solution Approach 1:
The support parts are strategically placed only at the edge regions where additional support is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire shelf. This localized enhancement maintains the simplicity and flexibility of the overall shelf structure while providing targeted support to maximize storage capacity in critical areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling and/or freezing appliance, in particular a wine cabinet, with one or more shelves, wherein at least one support element is fixed to the shelf, on which a bottle located at the edge of the shelf can be supported or on which a bottle located on the shelf can be stored at an angle.