Built-In Refrigerator Installation Set for Concealed Base Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of refrigeration appliances with suspended machine units in kitchen furniture is aesthetically unsatisfactory and technically impractical due to visible open-edged recesses, which require additional shelves and protective measures, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A set of built-in parts comprising orthogonal L-profiles with tabs and a rectangular cover part, along with an elastic clamping bracket, allows for the hiding of the installation niche and adjustment to different shelf distances, providing aesthetic and protective solutions without compromising the refrigeration device's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If an L-profile is mounted along the front edge of the shelf to bridge and hide the gap, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the machine unit height requirement cannot be met and a second shelf is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmachine unit height
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The L-profile is divided into two separate components: a first L-profile mounted on the shelf front edge for aesthetic coverage, and a second L-profile providing structural support and height. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first L-profile acts as an intermediary element between the shelf and the second L-profile, providing both aesthetic coverage and a mounting surface for the second profile, which in turn supports the machine unit at the required height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second shelf is added at a small distance above the bottom shelf to create a base for the body, then the machine unit can be accommodated, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and protection against contact is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine unit accommodationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The second L-profile merges the structural support function with the aesthetic coverage function by extending vertically to provide both the necessary height for the machine unit and a clean, integrated appearance that eliminates the need for an additional visible shelf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If edging is fitted to the recess edges to hide the chipboard structure and protect from dirt and moisture, then the aesthetic appearance and protection are improved, but the technical effort and assembly costs increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from dirt and moistureVSAvoidtechnical effort and assembly costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The L-profiles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide aesthetic coverage by bridging the recess, protect the chipboard edges from dirt and moisture, and provide structural support for the machine unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate edging components and reduces assembly complexity.

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

4Volume of moving object

If the machine unit is relocated to the base area to increase space on the body, then the thermal insulation and usable interior are improved, but the recess becomes visible when the door is open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable interior spaceVSAvoidrecess visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The L-profiles act as intermediary elements that conceal the visual impact of the recess while allowing the machine unit to be positioned in the base area. The profiles bridge the recess and provide a clean aesthetic appearance even when the door is open, enabling the space-saving configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2258235B1Installation set for a built-in household appliance
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2258235B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2258235B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2258235B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The set has an L-profile (8), and another L-profile (12) comprising side pieces arranged orthogonal to each other. One of the side pieces is divided into two edge areas (15) on both sides of a central area (14). A lug (16) arranged orthogonal to the side pieces and turned towards the central area is formed at the edge areas. A rectangular cover part (13) has edge length corresponding to the length of the L-profiles, where an edge of the part is inserted into a hook (18) that is engaged into the central area. The cover part has a flat plate and a reinforcement profile fastened to the plate. An independent claim is also included for a kitchen furniture comprising an installation recess for a refrigerator.