Laundry Machine Door Assembly With Integrated Handle Irregularities

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treatment machine door assemblies are complex, increasing manufacturing costs and negatively affecting the aesthetic appearance due to the arrangement of handles.

Innovation Solution

A door assembly design featuring a front frame with a cap element, where both components have irregularities defining the handle, reducing the number of parts and enhancing the aesthetic appeal by eliminating the need for a separate handle mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate handle-carrying element is interposed between the rear frame and front frame, then the door assembly is easier to operate, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor operationVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle function is merged into the cap element itself. The cap element's outer edge is designed with a gripping portion that serves as the handle, eliminating the need for a separate handle-carrying element. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap element serves multiple functions: it provides the front surface of the door assembly, supports the glass element, and incorporates the handle function through its irregular outer edge design. This multi-functionality reduces overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for the door assembly, then the manufacturing and assembly flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle and cap element are merged into a single integrated component. The cap element is molded with an irregular outer edge that provides the gripping portion, eliminating the need for separate handle parts and reducing assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a traditional handle arrangement is used, then the door assembly is easier to operate, but the aesthetic appearance is negatively affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor operationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is merged into the cap element's outer edge design, creating a seamless integration that maintains the smooth aesthetic appearance of the door assembly while providing adequate gripping functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap element's outer edge is designed with a localized gripping portion that provides operational functionality only where needed, while the rest of the cap element maintains its smooth, aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11242644B2Door assembly for a laundry treatment machine

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES

AI summary

A laundry treatment machine door assembly having a front frame and a cap element outwardly assembled to the front frame. The front frame and the cap element both comprise an irregularity which defines a handle for the door assembly.