Control panel for a household appliance and household appliance comprising such a control panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current control panel designs require a specific support for each model, leading to a large number of possible media versions and increased investments due to differences in HMI modules' number, type, and positioning, with existing solutions only allowing a limited number of configurations.

Innovation Solution

A universal support system with a longitudinal guidance system and sliding connection for HMI modules, allowing them to be positioned in various configurations, including side-by-side arrangements, using guide rails and grooves for movement and a securing system with clips and screws for fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a specific bracket is designed and manufactured for each control panel model, then the HMI modules can be precisely positioned relative to the front panel, but the number of bracket versions increases and investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of HMI modulesVSAvoidnumber of bracket versions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with a longitudinal guidance system featuring guide rails that can accommodate multiple types and positions of HMI modules through a standardized sliding connection mechanism, eliminating the need for different bracket versions for different control panel models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a specific bracket is designed and manufactured for each control panel model, then the HMI modules can be precisely positioned relative to the front panel, but the investment required for each new project increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of HMI modulesVSAvoidinvestment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with a longitudinal guidance system featuring guide rails that can accommodate multiple types and positions of HMI modules through a standardized sliding connection mechanism, eliminating the need for different bracket versions for different control panel models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing mounting systems are used, then components can be arranged in several positions, but only a limited number of configurations are allowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of configurationsVSAvoidmounting system flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HMI modules are equipped with sliding connections that enable them to move freely along the guide rails of the longitudinal guidance system, allowing dynamic repositioning to various locations while maintaining alignment with the front panel openings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel is divided into modular components with standardized interfaces, where HMI modules can be independently positioned and configured along the longitudinal guidance system according to different application requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3673783B1Control panel for a household appliance and household appliance comprising such a control panel
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 GRP BRANDT
  • EP3673783B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3673783B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3673783B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to a control panel (110) comprising a support (120) which has an opening (121), a front plate (113) fixed to a front face of the support (120) and covering at least the opening (121), and at least one HMI module (111,112) fixed to a rear face of the support (120) and positioned opposite the opening (121); the support (120) has a longitudinal guide system (123) disposed on the rear face of the support (120) and on which the HMI module (111,112) is positioned opposite the opening (121), the HMI module (111,112) having a sliding system (130), configured to cooperate with the longitudinal guide system (123) and form a sliding link between the HMI module (111,112) and the longitudinal guide system (123). It also relates to a household appliance having such a control panel (110).