Support assembly for an appliance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing appliance support assemblies lack flexibility and functionality in transitioning between stowed and deployed positions, failing to provide adequate additional storage or workspace within the appliance compartments efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly comprising a support surface, retention features, and a bracket that transitions between stowed, deployed, and intermediate positions, allowing the support surface to rotate and extend from the appliance for additional storage or workspace, with flanges and grooves for secure bracing and easy deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a support assembly is designed to transition between stowed and deployed positions, then additional storage or workspace is provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between stowed and deployed positions. The support surface is operably coupled to the cabinet and configured to transition between a stowed position within the retaining space and a deployed position extending outward, enabling flexible storage or workspace configuration as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a support surface for holding items, retention features for securing the assembly in different positions, and a bracket coupled to the support surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If retention features are added to secure the support surface in multiple positions, then the support surface can be reliably positioned, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition retentionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention features are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the support surface. The first retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface and configured to retain the support surface in the stowed position, while the second retention feature is configured to retain the support surface in the deployed position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the support surface and the cabinet. The bracket is coupled to the support surface and enables rotation of the support surface in different directions, mediating the transition between positions and reducing the complexity of direct coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support surface is designed to rotate about an axis, then deployment flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidrotation axis alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed as a universal component that enables rotation of the support surface in multiple directions. The bracket includes a first flange and a second flange, enabling rotation of the support surface in a first direction that corresponds with the first deployed position and a second direction that corresponds with the second deployed position, allowing the same component to serve multiple rotational functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If flanges are added to the bracket for bracing the support surface, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flanges are integrated directly into the bracket structure, merging the bracing function with the existing support component. The bracket includes a first flange and a second flange that are part of the same structural element, eliminating the need for separate bracing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11709016B2Support assembly for an appliance

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A support assembly includes a support surface configured to selectively transition between a stowed position, a deployed position, and an intermediate position defined between the stowed position and the deployed position. A retention feature is operably coupled to the support surface and is configured to transition the support surface between the stowed position and the deployed position. The retention feature includes a projection about which the support surface pivots to define a pivot axis. A bracket is coupled to the support surface and is configured to distribute a load along the support assembly in the intermediate position and the deployed position.