Home appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in changing the outer appearance without replacing the entire decoration panel, which can lead to sagging or damage due to added weight and repeated impact, especially when using heavy materials like glass.
Innovation Solution
A detachable panel assembly for refrigerators with a back cover that includes a cover support portion extending backward to be supported on the door body, preventing sagging and damage by distributing the load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a heavy decoration panel is used to improve appearance, then the outer appearance quality is improved, but the door panel sags due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration panel is divided into multiple detachable modules that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation reduces the weight burden on any single mounting point while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance when modules are assembled together on the door surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends in the depth dimension (backward from the door surface) to provide additional load-bearing capacity. The support members project rearward from the mounting surface to engage with the door body, creating a three-dimensional support system that prevents sagging without adding visible bulk to the front appearance.
2Shape
If a heavy decoration panel is used to improve appearance, then the outer appearance quality is improved, but the door panel is damaged by repeated impact
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the panel into detachable modules allows for easier replacement if damage occurs. Individual modules can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire panel assembly, improving maintenance reliability while keeping the overall structure lighter and more resilient to impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are pre-configured with sufficient extension length to provide adequate support before impact occurs. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the panel assembly can withstand repeated opening and closing impacts without deformation or damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decoration panel is replaced to change outer appearance, then the appearance can be changed, but the complexity of replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration panel is segmented into multiple detachable modules that can be independently installed and removed. This allows users to change the appearance by replacing only individual modules rather than the entire panel, significantly reducing replacement complexity while maintaining full appearance versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable module design creates a dynamic system where the panel configuration can be easily adjusted by adding or removing modules. This dynamic structure enables flexible appearance changes without requiring complex replacement procedures, as modules can be quickly attached or detached from the door surface.
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
Enables easy change of the outer appearance without replacing the entire panel, maintains panel stability even with heavy materials, and prevents sagging or damage from frequent use.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device configured to allow the panel to shine with a set color
Implementation Method 2
a back cover configured to define a rear surface of the panel assembly, wherein a cover support portion of which at least a portion extends backward to be supported on the door body is disposed on a lower end of the back cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A home appliance comprising: a cabinet (10) with a space defined therein; and a door (20) configured to open and close the cabinet (10), wherein the door comprises a door body (40) and a panel assembly (30) mounted on the door body (40), wherein the panel assembly (30) comprises: a lighting device (63) configured to emit light; a panel (31) defining a front surface of the door (20) and configured to transmit light emitted by the lighting device (63); and a back cover (39) defining a rear surface of the panel assembly (30) and including a cover support portion (396) at a lower end of the back cover (39), wherein the cover support portion (396) extends backward and is supported on the door body (40).