Foldable Control Panel Attached to Drawer for Appliance Module Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances with complex control panels often have permanently integrated control panels that are not movable, making it difficult to access and manage modules such as detergent dispensers or cleaning components for emptying, filling, or cleaning, which hinders usability and space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance with a movable control panel attached to a drawer via a hinge, allowing the panel to be folded out for access to a receiving space, enabling easy removal and addition of operating resources and accessories, while maintaining stability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the control panel is permanently integrated into the appliance housing, then the structural stability and visual appearance are improved, but the accessibility and ease of operation for modules and components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed to be movable between a closed position (integrated into the front panel) and an open position (folded back), transforming from a static to a dynamic structure. This allows the panel to adapt between providing structural stability and enabling access to modules, resolving the contradiction between fixed appearance and operational accessibility
2Ease of operation
If the control panel is made movable to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into distinct functional areas (display region, control element region) that can move independently or together. The hinge connection separates the panel from the drawer body, allowing independent movement. This segmentation enables the complex functionality to be achieved through simple, modular mechanical components rather than a monolithic complex structure
3Ease of operation
If the control panel is folded back to provide access to receiving spaces, then the accessibility of components is improved, but the visual appearance and space optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically changes its position based on operational needs - folded back during module access and closed during normal operation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to temporarily alter its shape for accessibility while maintaining its aesthetic form factor during normal use, resolving the contradiction between appearance and access
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic appliance (1) comprising a front (2) on which a movable operating panel (3) having operating and/or display elements (4, 5) is arranged, and comprising at least one accommodation space (6), accessible from the front (2), for an operating medium. The movable operating panel (3) can be moved from an operating position into an open position, and the open position enables access to the accommodation space (6). The operating panel (3) is fastened, such that it can be folded out, to a drawer (7) which can be pulled out of the accommodation space (6). The invention also relates to a method for operating said domestic appliance.