Home appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs require the entire decoration panel to be removed and replaced to change the outer appearance, which is inconvenient and may compromise insulation performance due to the addition of power and control components for lighting.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel assembly system where a panel assembly with a lighting device can be easily mounted and dismounted on the door body, allowing the user to change the color and brightness of the door's outer appearance without replacing the entire panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decoration panel is removed and replaced to change the outer appearance, then the outer appearance can be changed, but it is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration panel is divided into multiple detachable sub-panels that can be independently removed and replaced. This allows users to change the outer appearance by replacing only the desired sub-panel rather than the entire panel, significantly reducing the time and effort required for appearance changes while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel system incorporates detachable and reconfigurable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration of panel arrangements. Users can easily attach and detach sub-panels to change appearances without permanent installation, enabling flexible and rapid appearance transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power and control components for lighting are disposed in the door, then the lighting function can be implemented, but the thickness of the door becomes thick
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting components are arranged in a distributed manner across the panel surface rather than concentrating them in a single thick section. The light emitting members are positioned along the edges or distributed on the panel, allowing the lighting function to be achieved while maintaining a sleek, thin door profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Power and control components are localized to specific areas of the door or panel rather than being distributed throughout the door thickness. This localized arrangement minimizes the impact on overall door thickness while still providing the required lighting functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power and control components for lighting are disposed in the door, then the lighting function can be implemented, but the insulation performance of the door is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly with lighting components is designed as a detachable outer layer that does not compromise the thermal insulation structure of the door. The thin panel structure with strategically placed lighting components minimizes thermal bridging and maintains the door's insulation performance while providing the lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting components are extracted from the main door body and integrated into the detachable panel assembly. This separation allows the insulation structure of the door to remain intact and undisturbed, while the lighting function is provided by the panel that can be easily removed or replaced.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transparent panel is made replaceable, then the appearance can be changed, but it is not easy to replace and maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system is segmented into multiple standardized sub-panels with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation allows any sub-panel to be easily removed and replaced with another of the same or different type, simplifying both replacement and maintenance operations. The standardized interfaces make the process straightforward and do not require complex disassembly procedures.
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 quick and easy changes to the refrigerator's outer appearance without compromising insulation performance, improving user convenience and maintaining the refrigerator's aesthetic harmony with its environment.
Implementation Method 1
colored light emitting members are mounted on both side ends of the reflective layer to cause the transparent panel to shine with set color
Data Source
AI summary
A home appliance includes a cabinet defining a storage space and a door including a door body to open and close the storage space, and a panel assembly mounted on a front surface of the door body. The panel assembly includes a panel defining an outer appearance of a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted, a light guide plate provided behind the panel to guide light toward the panel, a lighting device including a plurality of LEDs irradiating light having a set color toward the light guide plate and a substrate on which the LEDs are mounted, and a bracket on which the lighting device is mounted. A substrate protrusion, which protrudes toward a front surface of the door body and to which a wire is connected, is disposed on the substrate, and the bracket includes one or more support portions supporting the substrate protrusion.