Combined microwave oven and refrigerator appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave oven and refrigerator combinations lack flexibility in orientation, making it difficult to adapt to various installations and applications, especially in space-limited areas.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mechanism is integrated between the microwave oven and refrigerator, allowing the microwave oven to pivot between multiple positions relative to the refrigerator, with a locking mechanism to secure these positions and a power supply connection through the pivot mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the microwave oven is fixed in a unitary configuration on top of the refrigerator, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to various installations and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave oven is equipped with a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a horizontal position (parallel to refrigerator door) and a vertical position (perpendicular to refrigerator door), transforming the fixed unitary configuration into a dynamic adjustable system that adapts to different installation requirements while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microwave oven is made pivotable to accommodate various orientations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined appliance is divided into separable components - the microwave oven unit and the refrigerator unit - connected by a pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows the microwave to be independently positioned at different angles while the refrigerator remains stationary, achieving adaptability without requiring the entire system to be complex
3Ease of operation
If the microwave oven is made pivotable for repositioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power supply connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible power cable serves as an intermediary connection between the refrigerator and the movable microwave oven, allowing the microwave to be repositioned to different angles and locations while maintaining a reliable electrical connection that can accommodate the movement without disconnection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a microwave oven pivotally coupled with a refrigerator. The microwave oven may be locked in one or more pivot positions relative to the refrigerator. The pivot axis of the microwave oven may be in a variety of positions relative to the refrigerator and microwave to result in a variety of orientations.