Built-In Refrigerator Dispenser Frame for Variable Panel Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in refrigeration appliances with dispensing openings face challenges in aligning decorative panels with adjacent furniture fronts, requiring adjustable frames that are often costly and wasteful, as they need to be customized for different panel thicknesses, and risk damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
A frame part comprising a cover part and an inner sleeve, where the inner sleeve can be adjusted in length to fit different decorative panel thicknesses, with optional telescopic engagement and latching mechanisms to ensure secure assembly without noticeable gaps, allowing for universal use and reduced material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a frame part with a predetermined breaking point is used to adapt to different decorative panel thicknesses, then the frame part can be shortened for weaker furniture fronts, but the frame part requires manual adjustment and customization in most cases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame part is divided into two separate components: an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve can be inserted into the outer sleeve to extend the overall length, allowing the same frame part to accommodate different panel thicknesses without manual shortening or customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve is nested within the outer sleeve, with the inner sleeve having a length compensating for the difference in thickness between thin and thick decorative panels. This nesting arrangement allows the frame part to be used in the assembled state with both thin and thick panels without adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a frame part with a predetermined breaking point is manufactured, then it can accommodate weaker furniture fronts, but material is wasted in production
Solution Approach 1:
The frame part is segmented into an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, each manufactured to standard lengths. This eliminates the need to manufacture oversized frame parts with breaking points, as the inner sleeve is only added when needed to extend the length for thick panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The overall length of the frame part is changed by adding or omitting the inner sleeve, rather than manufacturing frame parts with different predetermined lengths. This allows the same outer sleeve to be used for both thin and thick panels, reducing material waste in production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a frame part with a predetermined breaking point is used, then it can be shortened for weak decorative panels, but the frame part is at risk of damage during shortening
Solution Approach 1:
The frame part is segmented into two separate sleeves that are assembled together. This eliminates the need to shorten the frame part by breaking it, as the inner sleeve is simply inserted into the outer sleeve to achieve the required length extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve is nested within the outer sleeve, providing a damage-free method to extend the frame part length. The sleeves are connected through telescopic engagement with latching mechanisms, ensuring secure assembly without the risks associated with breaking and shortening.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable suspension of the decorative panel is provided, then the position can be aligned with adjacent furniture fronts, but the opening of the decorative panel cannot be exactly aligned with the dispensing opening
Solution Approach 1:
The frame part acts as an intermediary element between the decorative panel and the dispensing device. It includes a cover part covering the edges of the opening and an inner sleeve arranged between the cover part and the front face, providing a reference structure that facilitates precise alignment of the opening with the dispensing opening.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A built-in refrigerator comprises a housing (1, 2) with a front dispenser opening (3) and a frame piece (6) for lining an opening (5) in a decorative plate (4) cladding the front side (2), lying in front of the dispenser opening (3). The frame piece (6) is made up of a cover piece (7) lying over the edges of the opening and an inner sleeve (8) arranged between the cover piece (7) and the front side (2).