3D Miniature Object Kitchen Layout Design System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The design of a kitchen layout is often laborious and prone to errors due to the need to consider various criteria such as space, technical constraints, and aesthetics, with existing virtual visualization systems not providing rapid or intuitive solutions for non-specialized users.

Innovation Solution

A design system using three-dimensional miniature objects representing kitchen elements, which allows users to visually arrange and position these objects on a support surface, incorporating position determination and conversion means to automatically create a layout project while accounting for technical constraints, and providing real-time feedback and export options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional trial-and-error method from two-dimensional plans is used, then design flexibility is maintained, but design time increases and error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign timeVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses physical three-dimensional miniature objects representing kitchen elements that users can manipulate directly. These objects are scaled-down copies of actual kitchen furniture and appliances, allowing users to visualize and arrange layouts in three dimensions without needing to interpret two-dimensional plans. This copying approach eliminates errors from misinterpretation and dramatically reduces design time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If virtual visualization systems are used, then spatial visualization is improved, but system complexity increases and ease of operation decreases for non-specialized users

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintuitivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive physical miniature objects that can be freely manipulated by users without requiring specialized training or complex system operation. These objects are designed to be intuitively recognizable representations of kitchen elements, allowing non-specialized users to create accurate layout designs through natural hand movements and spatial reasoning, avoiding the complexity of virtual systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If technical constraints are manually checked, then design accuracy is maintained, but design productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign speedVSAvoidconstraint compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates means for automatically checking technical constraints within the design system. As users arrange the miniature objects on the support surface, the system automatically verifies compliance with technical constraints such as minimum clearance distances, structural requirements, and spatial relationships. This self-service constraint checking occurs in real-time without requiring manual verification, thereby maintaining design accuracy while preserving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3109737B1Design system for assistance in designing the layout of a kitchen
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 NEXT TECH SPRL
  • EP3109737B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3109737B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3109737B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The design system (1) of the invention comprises: a plurality of objects (10) for representing, at a reduced scale, kitchen layout elements (40); a position determination means for determining the position of said objects (10); a conversion means for converting position information of said objects (10) into position information of the layout elements (50) in said kitchen (40); a determination means for determining (106) a kitchen layout design (107) for said kitchen (40) based on the position (104) of the layout elements (50) in said kitchen (40) and a technical constraint (105); and an output means for providing (108) information (109) on said kitchen layout design (107). The system allows for the automatic consideration of technical constraints in a kitchen layout design (107) for kitchen (40).