refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in easily mounting a display unit with a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, as the display unit is often exposed and complicates assembly.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a panel member with an inner case spaced from the panel, filled with insulating material, and a display unit mounted after filling, allowing for a simplified assembly process and improved aesthetics by concealing the display unit inside the door or body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display unit is mounted on the front panel, then it is easily accessible, but it complicates the assembly process and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator door is divided into distinct components: front panel, inner case, and insulating material layer. The display unit is mounted on the front panel surface rather than being integrated into the door structure, allowing independent assembly of each component and simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit is pre-mounted on the front panel before the final assembly step. This preliminary mounting action allows the display unit to be easily accessible while avoiding integration complexities that would arise from mounting it during the main door assembly process.
2Device complexity
If the display unit is integrated into the door structure, then it has a simple structure, but it increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into the front panel, insulating material, and inner case as separate components. The display unit is mounted on the front panel which is then assembled with the other components, creating a simple overall structure while allowing cost-effective manufacturing through standardized panel production.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel serves multiple functions: it provides the exterior surface of the door, serves as the mounting substrate for the display unit, and maintains the structural integrity of the door assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and lowers manufacturing cost.
3Loss of information
If the display unit is exposed on the front panel, then it is easily visible, but it reduces aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is designed with a specific local quality that matches the display unit's appearance. The panel's color, texture, and surface characteristics are tailored to blend with the display unit, making it visually integrated and aesthetically pleasing while maintaining full visibility of the display information.
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
The solution simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the aesthetic appeal by hiding the display unit, while allowing for easy access and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
insulating material filled in space between the panel member and the inner case
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A refrigerator, comprising: a main body (10) having a storage chamber; a door (30) arranged to open and close the storage chamber, the door (30) comprising: a panel member (100) provided with a display window (110) and configured to form a front exterior of the door (30) of the refrigerator; an inner case (200) spaced apart from the panel member (100) and configured to form a rear exterior of the door (30) of the refrigerator; a deco member (300) coupling the panel member (100) and the inner case (200) and having an inserting part (331); a display case (500) provided at one side of the panel member (100) and coupled to the deco member (300), insulating material (900) filled in an insulating space between the panel member (100) and the inner case (200); a display unit (400) mounted to the display case (500) through the inserting part (331 ); wherein the display unit (400) includes a display part (430) mounted on a printed circuit board (410) and configured to display at least an operation state of the refrigerator; a unit guide (470) on which the printed circuit board (410) is mounted, wherein the unit guide (470) is slidingly mounted on the display case (500); a sensing part (450) mounted on the printed circuit board (410) and configured to sense a touch manipulation of the display part (430), characterized in that the panel member (100) includes a manipulating part (130) that is configured to guide a position of the sensing part (450), and the display window (110) is formed in a position corresponding to the display part (430).