Adjustable Gap Cover Profile for Freestanding Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaps between freestanding domestic appliances and adjacent furniture or devices often have varying widths, leading to aesthetic issues and practical problems with dirt accumulation, as existing solutions require custom models for different gap sizes and lack effective adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two profile elements with a spring and groove system, allowing adjustable penetration to fit different gap widths, and a deformable coupling part with flexible intermediate pieces to secure the appliance to the surface, ensuring stability and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size profile element is used to cover gaps, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to gaps of different widths
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element incorporates a spring that can be compressed and locked at different positions within a groove, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying gap widths. The spring's ability to be compressed and held at different positions provides continuous adjustability without requiring multiple fixed-size components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's compression position within the groove is varied to change the effective length of the profile element, allowing it to match different gap widths. This parameter change (position of the spring end within the groove) enables a single component to serve multiple gap size requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple models of profile elements are provided for different gap widths, then exact fit is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single profile element design serves multiple functions by accommodating different gap widths through spring compression. Instead of requiring separate models for different gap sizes, the universal profile element can be adjusted to fit various gaps, reducing inventory requirements and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile element is divided into functional segments: a fixed portion attached to the appliance, a deformable spring portion that can be compressed, and a groove structure that guides and constrains the spring. This segmentation allows the spring to be independently compressed and locked at different positions, enabling precise adjustment without requiring multiple complete models.
3Strength
If the profile element is made rigid for structural stability, then strength is improved, but adjustability to different gap widths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element transitions from a completely rigid structure to a semi-rigid structure with a spring component. The spring provides the necessary flexibility for adjustment while the fixed portions and groove structure maintain structural integrity and strength when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile element is segmented into rigid fixed portions (attached to appliance and furniture) and a flexible spring portion. This segmentation allows the rigid parts to provide structural strength while the spring portion provides adjustability, combining both requirements in a single component.
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 device provides extensive adjustability to fit various gap widths, prevents dirt accumulation, and secures the appliance firmly, maintaining a uniform appearance and ease of use by allowing easy assembly and adjustment without requiring multiple models.
Implementation Method 1
one of the profile elements comprises a groove and the other a spring, and the spring can be introduced in the direction of the width of the gap into the groove. An adjustment to different gap widths is possible by allowing the spring to penetrate into the groove to varying degrees depending on the gap width during assembly
Implementation Method 2
the device also preferably comprises a deformable coupling part to be secured to the housing and the surface and thereby bridging the gap. The coupling part comprises a preferably first plate for securing to the housing, a second plate for securing to the surface as well as an intermediate piece which is flexibly connected to both panels
Data Source
AI summary
A device for covering a gap between a housing of a household appliance and a surface which is adjacent thereto. Said device comprises two profile elements, a first for securing to the surface and the second for securing to the housing. One of the profile elements comprises a groove and the other comprises a spring. The spring can be introduced into the direction of the width of the gap in the groove.