Conical Appliance Control Frame for Stable Centering and Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frames for household appliances lack stability and operability, restricting access and visibility to internal components, and often compromise on aesthetics and space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A frame with a conically designed front area, radially oriented contact webs, and a space-optimized configuration that allows for secure centering and positioning, made from plastic or other materials, with a PVD-coated surface for durability and a translucent option for enhanced visibility and user-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple peripheral frame design is used, then manufacturing is easy and cost-effective, but stability and operability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates a conical front area that curves inward toward the frame interior, replacing traditional flat or simple geometric designs. This curved conical structure provides enhanced mechanical stability while maintaining ease of manufacturing through injection molding processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the frame structure is simplified, then production cost decreases, but access and visibility to internal components are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The conical front area with its inward curvature creates a funnel-shaped opening that naturally widens the field of view and improves access to internal components. This geometric design allows users to view and interact with framed objects more easily without requiring complex structural modifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If contact webs are positioned at the edge of the front area, then centering and positioning are improved, but visual appearance and space optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contact webs are positioned offset from the edge of the conical front area along the hole axis direction, utilizing the depth dimension of the conical structure. This offset positioning allows the contact webs to be located where they do not interfere with the visual appearance or space optimization, while still providing the necessary centering and positioning functions.
4Weight of moving object
If the frame is made entirely of plastic, then weight and production cost are reduced, but durability and wear resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame combines plastic material with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating to create a composite structure. The plastic base provides lightweight properties and cost-effectiveness, while the PVD coating layer enhances surface durability, wear resistance, and aesthetic appearance.
5Ease of operation
If the front area is made translucent, then visibility and user-friendliness are improved, but protection and privacy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front area utilizes translucent material properties that allow light transmission for improved visibility while the PVD coating provides a protective surface layer. The coating can be applied in various finishes including reflective or colored options that balance visibility requirements with dirt resistance and privacy considerations.
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 frame provides stable and versatile attachment, easy access, and a high-quality appearance while ensuring operational reliability and user-friendliness, with improved wear protection and reduced risk of injury or soiling.
Implementation Method 1
The front area is preferably coated with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). In addition to the possibility of polishing the surface of the front area and thus also making it mirror-like, such a coating can also reduce wear and protect the frame from damage
Implementation Method 2
A frame according to the invention for a domestic appliance comprises a front area which is designed to run conically towards the inside of the frame
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a frame for a domestic appliance (1), having a front region (132) which runs towards the frame interior (131) in a conical manner, and having a first abutment cross-piece (133) which, at least in regions, is arranged circumferentially on a frame outer face (134). The frame, which can e.g. be configured in the form of a ring, serves to accommodate a switch, knob, operating element, display element or display. The frame itself is arranged in the operating panel of a domestic appliance.