Refrigerator comprising a dispensing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration devices with built-in dispensing devices for ice or water face challenges in aligning decorative panels with adjacent furniture, as the panels must not block access to the dispensing device, and existing solutions either compromise aesthetics or lead to poor space utilization.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable sleeve system is integrated into the niche, allowing the decorative panel to be adjusted while maintaining access to the dispensing device, using screws that penetrate elongated holes and engage in a thread within the niche, with a wedge mechanism for stability and adjustability, and a frame to fill gaps for a seamless appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a decorative panel is installed on the door to achieve a built-in appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the dispensing device becomes inaccessible or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The door front is segmented into a decorative panel and a separate sleeve structure. The sleeve is divided into an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that can move independently, allowing the dispensing device to access through the decorative panel while maintaining its aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the decorative panel and the dispensing device. It provides a functional opening for the dispensing device while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the decorative panel, and its movable nature allows it to mediate between the static panel and the operational device.
2Ease of operation
If a window is cut into the decorative panel for access to the dispensing device, then accessibility is improved, but the visual appeal is reduced due to misalignment during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with movable parts including an inner sleeve that can shift position. This dynamic structure allows the opening to maintain alignment with the dispensing device regardless of the decorative panel's position, ensuring both accessibility and visual appeal during adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameters of the sleeve and its opening can be adjusted to match the decorative panel's position. The elongated holes in the screws allow for positional parameter changes, enabling the opening to realign with the dispensing device when the panel is adjusted.
3Ease of operation
If the dispensing device is placed in an area not covered by the decorative panel, then accessibility is maintained, but the built-in appearance is compromised and space utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is nested within the decorative panel area, with the outer sleeve fitting into a recess and the inner sleeve containing the dispensing device. This nesting arrangement allows the dispensing device to be accessible while remaining within the decorative panel's footprint, maintaining the built-in appearance and efficient space utilization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the decorative panel is made adjustable for alignment with adjacent furniture, then adaptability is improved, but the alignment with the dispensing device becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve's inner sleeve can move dynamically to compensate for positional changes in the decorative panel. This allows the panel to be adjusted for furniture alignment while the inner sleeve adjusts accordingly to maintain precise alignment with the dispensing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The positional parameters of the sleeve can be changed to match the decorative panel's adjusted position. The screws with elongated holes enable parameter changes in the sleeve's position, ensuring continued alignment with the dispensing device regardless of the panel's adjustment for furniture compatibility.
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
Ensures an aesthetically appealing transition between the niche and decorative panel, allowing for adjustable alignment without obstructing the dispensing device, while maintaining the device's built-in appearance and efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge mechanism for stability and adjustability
Implementation Method 2
screws which each penetrate an elongated hole formed in a wall of the sleeve and engage in a thread in a wall of the niche
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising a housing and a dispensing device (4) for flowable and/or pourable chilled material, said dispensing device (4) being located in a front recess (3) of the housing (10). The front (2) of the housing is covered at least in part by an adjustable decorative plate (5). The recess (3) is accessible through a hole (6) in the decorative plate (5) while a case (8) that is open towards the dispensing device (4) and the hole (6) of the decorative plate is adjustably mounted in the recess (3).