Quick release handle including lights and sound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional appliance handles are difficult to remove and require tools, limiting user interaction and aesthetics, while displays on appliances are often restricted to hard-wired locations and require electrical power.

Innovation Solution

A quick-release handle assembly with an attachment mechanism and electrical connection for appliances, allowing easy detachment and attachment without tools, and integrating displays and indicators within the handle for improved user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical fasteners are used to attach handles to appliances, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the handle becomes difficult to remove and requires tools for detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidhandle removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate modular components: a fastener body attached to the appliance, a handle with an integrated release mechanism, and a quick-connect interface. This segmentation allows the handle to be securely attached during use while enabling tool-free removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The quick-release mechanism allows the handle to switch between a locked engaged state (providing reliable connection) and a released detached state (enabling easy removal), eliminating the need for tools while maintaining connection strength during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If displays are hard-wired to appliance bodies, then electrical power is reliably supplied, but the positioning is restricted and aesthetics are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoiddisplay positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into a power source attached to the appliance body and a display unit integrated into the removable handle. This allows the display to be positioned on the handle rather than being fixed to the appliance, providing positioning flexibility and aesthetic versatility while maintaining reliable power supply through the electrical connection established when the handle is attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical handling for opening/closing, integrates display elements for information presentation, and acts as a carrier for electrical connections. This multi-functionality allows the display to be flexibly positioned on the handle while maintaining reliable power supply and enabling easy repositioning or aesthetic changes by simply detaching and reattaching the handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11248835B1Quick release handle including lights and sound

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A drawer assembly for an appliance includes a drawer front including a retainer post extending from the drawer front, a handle including an indicator assembly, an attachment assembly for removably attaching the handle to the drawer front, and an electrical connection assembly passing through the attachment assembly to provide electrical power to the indicator assembly.