Multi-Axis Movable Connector for Laundry Door-Mounted Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treatment apparatuses face aesthetic deterioration and assembly inefficiencies due to existing connection mechanisms for power and data transmission between the main body and separable or rotatably coupled electronic devices, particularly when a door with a control panel is hinged on one side, complicating the coupling of power and communication lines.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that includes a cabinet connector and a door connector, allowing for movement along multiple axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) to securely connect electronic devices installed in the cabinet to those on a rotatable door, using a socket and plug configuration with elastic support features to facilitate easy assembly and maintain aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a door with control panel is hinged on one side, then design diversity and aesthetic function are improved, but coupling difficulty and connection convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The first connector part on the door can move relative to the second connector part on the cabinet, allowing the connection to adapt to different door positions and hinge configurations, thus maintaining ease of connection while supporting diverse door designs
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system allows for parameter changes in position, orientation, and alignment during the connection process. The movable connector components can adjust their spatial parameters to accommodate different hinge locations and door configurations, resolving the contradiction between design diversity and connection convenience
2Shape
If electronic devices are installed on a separable door, then aesthetic function is improved, but assembly efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into two separate parts: a first connector part attached to the door and a second connector part attached to the cabinet. This segmentation allows the door with electronic devices to be independently assembled and then easily connected to the main body, improving both aesthetic function and assembly efficiency through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are pre-positioned and pre-assembled on the door and cabinet respectively before final assembly. This preliminary action allows for easier and faster final connection, improving assembly efficiency while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of having electronic devices on the separable door
3Reliability
If a traditional connection mechanism is used, then power and data transmission are achieved, but aesthetic deterioration and assembly inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design merges the power supply connection and data transmission connection into an integrated system. The first and second connector parts simultaneously establish both power and data connections when coupled together, achieving reliable transmission while simplifying the assembly process and improving efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The connector system effectively addresses the challenges of connecting electronic devices on a rotatable door to the main body, enhancing assembly efficiency and maintaining aesthetic design, while allowing for variable door rotation directions.
Implementation Method 1
a first support portion located in the receiving recess to elastically support the terminal body along the Z-axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a connector including a cabinet connector (8, 9) secured to a cabinet (1) incorporating at least one of a power supply device (19) and an information processing device (18) and a device connector (7) installed to a control object device to be controlled by at least one of the power supply device (19) and the information processing device (18), the device connector (7) being separably connected to the cabinet connector (8, 9). The device connector (7) is movable along at least two of the X-axis and the Y-axis defining a plane parallel to a cross section of the cabinet connector (8, 9) and the Z-axis perpendicular to the cross section of the cabinet connector (8, 9).