Home appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliances, such as refrigerators, require the entire decoration panel to be removed and replaced to change the outer appearance, limiting user flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A home appliance design featuring a panel assembly with a bracket protrusion that covers the upper and lower ends of a transparent panel to prevent light leakage, allowing the panel to shine with a set color without replacing the entire decoration panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decoration panel is removed and replaced to change the outer appearance, then the outer appearance can be changed, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration panel is divided into multiple detachable sub-panels that can be independently removed and replaced. This allows users to change the outer appearance by only replacing the desired sub-panel rather than the entire panel, simplifying the operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assembly incorporates a dynamic configuration system where sub-panels can be easily attached and detached through simplified mounting mechanisms. This enables flexible reconfiguration of the decoration panel without requiring complex removal and installation procedures.
2Illumination intensity
If the panel is made transparent to allow light transmission, then the lighting effect is improved, but light leakage from the circumference deteriorates the outer appearance quality
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the panel assembly are assigned different optical properties: the central panel region is made transparent for light transmission, while the peripheral bracket regions are made opaque to block light leakage. This local differentiation of material properties allows both lighting effectiveness and appearance quality to be maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure serves as an intermediary element between the light source and the external environment. By positioning opaque bracket components strategically around the transparent panel, the brackets act as light-blocking intermediaries that prevent light leakage while allowing the panel to transmit light effectively.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bracket protrusion is extended to cover the panel ends to prevent light leakage, then light leakage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the panel, positions the lighting device, and prevents light leakage through its protruding configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving light leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking function is merged into the existing bracket structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The bracket is designed with protrusions that naturally serve both structural and optical blocking purposes, combining multiple functions into a single element to minimize added complexity.
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
Enables users to change the outer appearance of the appliance by adjusting the panel color without disassembly, maintaining uniform brightness and preventing light leakage, thereby enhancing the quality of the outer appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device provided behind the panel so that the panel shines with a set color
Implementation Method 2
the bracket protrusion protrudes to cover the upper end or the lower end of the panel so as to prevent the light from leaking from the lighting device
Data Source
AI summary
A home appliance includes: a cabinet defining a storage space, and a door comprising (i) a door body configured to open and close the storage space and (ii) a panel assembly disposed at the door body. The panel assembly includes: a panel defining a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted, a lighting device disposed at a rear side of the panel and configured to irradiate the light through the panel with a set color, an upper bracket supporting the panel from an upper side of the panel, and a lower bracket supporting the panel from a lower side of the panel. At least one of the upper bracket or the lower bracket includes a bracket protrusion that protrudes to face and cover an upper end or a lower end of the panel to thereby block the light from the lighting device.