Adjustable User Interface Module Mount for Decorative Appliance Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing domestic appliances, particularly refrigerators, lack adjustable user interface modules that can align with decorative doors or custom panels, leading to installation challenges and potential damage during adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable user interface module with an independent mounting structure that can be adjusted in height and position to match the aesthetics of kitchen cabinetry, featuring adjustable fastening members with screws and locking nuts for secure alignment with decorative doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the user interface module is mounted directly into the foamed door without adjustment, then the installation process is simplified, but the aesthetic alignment with decorative doors and custom panels cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation processVSAvoidaesthetic alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the appliance body and a decorative door that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the user interface module to be mounted on the bracket while the decorative door is positioned separately to achieve aesthetic alignment, resolving the contradiction between simplified installation and aesthetic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable fastening members with elongated slots that enable dynamic positioning of the decorative door and user interface module. This adjustability allows the system to adapt to different aesthetic requirements while maintaining a simplified installation process, as the components can be positioned and secured in various configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface module is made adjustable to follow cabinetry aesthetics, then the aesthetic integration is improved, but the risk of damage during adjustment and installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic integrationVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with pre-positioned fastening members and alignment features that guide the decorative door and user interface module into proper positions during installation. This beforehand preparation reduces the need for forceful adjustment and minimizes the risk of damage, while still allowing aesthetic customization through the adjustable mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the appliance body and the decorative door with user interface module. This mediator absorbs the adjustment requirements, allowing the decorative door to be positioned aesthetically without directly manipulating fragile components, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the user interface module is mounted on a stationary top cover, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to align with decorative doors in built-in products is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the mounting function from the decorative function. The mounting bracket provides stable structural support while the decorative door with user interface module can be independently adjusted for alignment. This segmentation maintains structural stability while restoring alignment capability for built-in applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate both stationary and adjustable configurations. It provides stable support like a stationary mount while incorporating adjustment mechanisms that enable alignment with decorative doors, making it suitable for both free-standing and built-in products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11828531B2User interface module with adjustable mount for domestic appliance

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORP

AI summary

An adjustable user interface module (UIM) for a domestic appliance is provided and includes an adjustable UIM housing; a UIM electronic component mounted to the adjustable UIM housing; and a pair of adjustable fastening members adapted to mount the adjustable UIM housing to the domestic appliance, each of the adjustable fastening members being configured to adjust the adjustable UIM housing in at least an up and down direction to in turn adjust the height of the UIM electronic component.