Mirror cabinet, in particular for a bathroom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirror cabinet designs are inefficient in terms of cost-effective production for various models, as they require separate frame profiles and light cover panels, which are not easily interchangeable or modular.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped longitudinal profile with locking mechanisms on its sides allows for different external shapes of panel elements to be inserted and snapped into place, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and secure fixation without tools, using a single frame construction for various designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate frame profiles and light cover panels are used for different models, then each model can have its specific design, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame profile is designed with a universal opening structure that can accommodate multiple different aperture element designs. The standardized locking mechanism allows various aperture elements with different external shapes to be mounted on the same frame, enabling one frame construction to serve multiple design purposes and reducing production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting assembly is divided into separate modular components: the frame profile and the aperture element. This segmentation allows the aperture element to be independently designed, manufactured, and replaced without affecting the frame structure, enabling cost-effective production of different models while maintaining design variety.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mounting methods are used for light cover panels, then structural stability can be achieved, but assembly and disassembly require tools and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, clips requiring tools) is replaced with a spring-based elastic locking mechanism. The spring element provides continuous elastic force that maintains stable locking while allowing tool-free manual assembly and disassembly by simply pressing the release element.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through elastic force. The spring element automatically engages with the locking surface to provide stable fixation, and the release element allows users to manually disengage it without tools, making the system self-sufficient for both stable operation and user maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If aperture elements are firmly fixed in the frame, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for different designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic system that can switch between locked and unlocked states. The spring element maintains continuous elastic force for stable fixation during normal use, while the release element enables easy transition to the unlocked state for interchangeability, accommodating both stability and adaptability requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
In a mirrored cabinet, particularly for a bathroom, at least one longitudinal profile (10) of its frame is designed such that a light source and a light-transmitting cover element (20) can be attached to it. The at least one longitudinal profile (10) of the frame has an opening (15) which is bounded by longitudinal sides, at least one of which has a locking element (17, 18). This locking element (17, 18) interacts with at least one locking element (22, 23) on the cover element (20) in such a way that different outer shapes of the cover element (20) can be used. Thus, with just one frame construction of such a mirrored cabinet, different designs of the cover element forming the light source can be used according to customer requirements.