Adjustable Kick Plate Structure for Gap Closure and Panel Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kick plates in devices like dishwashers and washers are inflexible, leading to gaps between the plate and the ground when device feet sizes change, and misalignment with decorative panels, resulting in an unpleasant appearance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable kick plate system with attachment bars that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, using protrusions, fastening elements, and locking mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and gap closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece kick plate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but gaps form between the kick plate and ground when device feet size changes, creating an unpleasant appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The kick plate is divided into a main body portion and an extension bar that can be detached and repositioned. This segmentation allows the extension bar to be adjusted to different positions along the main body to accommodate varying foot sizes and close gaps between the kick plate and ground, while the main body remains simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The kick plate transitions from a static single-piece structure to a dynamic adjustable structure where the extension bar can be moved along the main body and secured at different positions. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different device configurations and ground conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single-piece kick plate is used, then the structure is simple, but the kick plate cannot be aligned with decorative panels when misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the kick plate into a main body and an adjustable extension bar, the design maintains overall structural simplicity while enabling alignment adjustment. The extension bar can be positioned at different locations along the main body to achieve proper alignment with decorative panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the kick plate serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base, houses the adjustment mechanism, and allows the extension bar to be repositioned for both gap closing and alignment purposes, making the single component highly versatile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the kick plate structure is made adjustable with multiple components, then adaptability to different foot sizes and alignment requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kick plate is segmented into only two main components (main body and extension bar) rather than multiple complex parts, providing adjustability while minimizing structural complexity. This limited segmentation strikes a balance between adaptability and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the main body structure, combining the mounting function and adjustment function in a unified design. The extension bar connects to the main body through a integrated system that allows repositioning without requiring separate complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (B) developed according to the present invention comprises at least one main body (1) provided with at least one orifice (1a) at the lower surface (1c) thereof; at least one adjustment bar (2a) provided with at least one protrusion (2a) and attached to the orifice (1a) on the body; a kick plate (A), comprising at least one connection part (4) provided with at least one adjustment orifice (4c) and extending inward from said body (1); at least one recess (5) into which said connection part (4) is introduced; and at least one locking element (4d) restricting the forward/backward movement (in the direction of +Z/-Z) of the kick plate (A). According to the device (B) developed, the height of the kick plate (A) is changed by means of an adjustment bar (2) and the position of the kick plate (A) in the forward/backward (+Z/-Z) direction is adjusted and thus fixed to the device (B).