Three-Dimensional Molded Wall Panel to Hide Refrigerator Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator designs often have visible refrigeration components that detract from the aesthetic appeal and create a cluttered appearance within the compartment, lacking effective depth perception and a seamless visual experience.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional molded wall panel that extends the full height and width of the cabinet's back wall, featuring irregular peaks and valleys, and can incorporate lighting structures, serving as a false wall to obscure refrigeration components while providing a streamlined aesthetic and enhanced depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional refrigerator designs are used with visible refrigeration components, then the functional requirements are met, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced and the appearance becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refrigeration components from the visible compartment area and relocates them to a hidden space behind the wall panel. The wall panel creates a false wall structure that separates the compartment area from the refrigeration components, effectively taking out the visually disturbing elements while preserving their functional presence in the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall panel serves as an intermediary structure between the compartment area and the refrigeration components. It acts as a false wall that mediates the visual relationship, blocking the direct line of sight to the refrigeration components while allowing air flow and heat transfer to continue uninterrupted for proper refrigeration function.
2Shape
If a flat wall panel is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the depth perception and visual interest are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces and three-dimensional molding to the wall panel, creating peaks and valleys that add visual interest and enhance depth perception. The molded surface features non-uniform patterns that break the monotony of flat surfaces, providing aesthetic appeal while maintaining the false wall's primary function of hiding refrigeration components.
3Area of stationary object
If the wall panel extends full height and width, then the aesthetic coverage is maximized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large wall panel into manageable sections or layers, with the false wall panel positioned in front of the refrigeration components. This segmentation allows the panel to extend across the full height and width of the compartment area while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying installation and manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet with a plurality of walls and a compartment area for storing food within the cabinet. A door is configured to seal the compartment area. A refrigeration component is disposed within the cabinet. A wall panel is positioned within the cabinet and includes a three-dimensional molded surface with non-uniformly spaced peaks and valleys and a lighting structure. The wall panel extends from a lower end of the compartment area to an upper end of the compartment area. The wall panel separates the compartment area from the refrigeration component and is coextensive with one of the plurality of walls of the cabinet.