Cooling appliance and method of assembling a handle onto a door of the cooling appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cooling appliance handles with complex geometries are difficult to assemble onto carbon fiber door shells without causing scratches and compromising the monolithic appearance, leading to reduced application possibilities and decreased quality perception due to visible connection parts.

Innovation Solution

A method where the handle is attached to a carbon fiber door shell using screws inserted from the rear, with hidden connection parts and additional structural elements like support washers and bars, and an insulating material is injected between the door and interior plate to enhance strength and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle is attached onto the door from the front using screws, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection parts become visible and the monolithic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAssembly process simplicityVSAvoidMonolithic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by changing the direction of screw insertion from front to rear. The handle is attached by inserting screws from the rear side of the door through recesses in the handle, which hides the connection parts and maintains the monolithic appearance while keeping the assembly process simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the handle is attached onto the door using conventional methods, then the assembly is straightforward, but scratches are formed on the handle or door surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAssembly straightforwardnessVSAvoidSurface scratches

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates surface scratches by inverting the assembly direction - screws are inserted from the rear side of the door rather than from the front. This prevents direct contact between fastening tools and the visible surfaces of the handle and door, thereby avoiding scratches while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If connection parts are used to attach the handle, then the attachment is secure, but the visible connection parts decrease quality perception

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAttachment securityVSAvoidVisual quality perception

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connection parts from the visible front surface and relocates them to the rear side of the door. By positioning screws, washers, and connection tabs on the rear side within recesses, the attachment remains secure while the visual quality perception is maintained as no connection parts are visible from the front.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Shape

If complex geometrical shapes are used for handles, then the aesthetic appeal increases, but the assembly difficulty increases and application possibilities decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAesthetic appealVSAvoidAssembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the assembly of complex geometrical handles by inverting the attachment method. Instead of attempting to fasten complex-shaped handles from the front, screws are inserted from the rear side through recesses in the handle, which provides clear access and simplifies the assembly process while accommodating complex geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3887735B1Cooling appliance and method of assembling a handle onto a door of the cooling appliance

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 ARCELIK AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooling appliance (1) having a door (2) comprising a door shell (4) wherein the door shell (4) is produced from carbon fiber.