Exterior material for home appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior materials for home appliances are limited by straight-line polishing techniques, resulting in monotonous patterns and non-uniform surface treatment, which reduces aesthetic appeal and control over surface roughness and glossiness.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical circular structure pattern is implemented on the exterior material, comprising a base material with varying circular structures and controlled pattern density, utilizing tools like rotary wires and brushes to achieve desired surface roughness and glossiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight-line polishing technique is used, then surface treatment can be performed, but the pattern becomes monotonous and aesthetic sense is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing straight-line polishing with circular polishing paths. The polishing device rotates the polishing cloth in a circular motion, creating circular hairline patterns instead of straight lines. This curved motion pattern provides visual variety and aesthetic appeal while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the rotational motion of the polishing device. The polishing cloth rotates periodically, creating repeating circular patterns with controlled density and distribution. This periodic motion allows for aesthetically pleasing patterns while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If base material is mounted in one direction only, then mounting is simplified, but surface treatment direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By using circular polishing paths, the invention overcomes the directional limitation of straight-line polishing. The circular motion can be applied regardless of the base material's mounting direction, allowing surface treatment in multiple orientations while maintaining simple mounting procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If hairlines are formed with constant straight directions and depths, then manufacturing is simple, but pattern becomes monotonous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces constant straight hairlines with circular hairline patterns. The circular polishing path creates varying directions and depths within each circular pattern, providing visual interest and pattern variety while maintaining a consistent and manufacturable process through standardized circular motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating circular patterns with varying characteristics within each circle. The circular polishing path produces hairlines with different orientations and depths at different locations within the circular pattern, providing local variation and aesthetic appeal while maintaining overall pattern consistency.
4Ease of manufacture
If surface roughness control is difficult, then manufacturing is easier, but pattern implementation becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring and adjusting polishing parameters to achieve uniform surface roughness. The circular polishing process allows for consistent control of polishing pressure, speed, and cloth selection, providing feedback mechanisms to maintain uniform surface quality across different production batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by systematically controlling polishing variables such as circular speed, pressure, and polishing cloth characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the process achieves uniform surface roughness control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and pattern consistency.
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 solution enhances the cubic sense and aesthetic appeal by allowing flexible pattern implementation, controlling surface roughness (0.05 to 1.0 μm) and glossiness (50 to 300 GU), improving the overall appearance and usability of home appliance surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The hierarchical circular structure pattern may result from utilizing at least one of a rotary wire, a polishing pad, or a brush
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior material may be configured to form an exterior of a home appliance, the exterior material includes a base material having a hierarchical circular structure pattern on the surface. The hierarchical circular structure pattern may include a plurality of circular structures having diameters different from each other, and a pattern density may be, in percentage of area of the surface, about 20 to 90%.