Side Access Panel with Attachment Feature for Appliance Serviceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional appliances require partial rotation and removal of the rear surface to access machine components, which is inconvenient for servicing.

Innovation Solution

A side access panel is removably coupled to the appliance's side, allowing access to the machine compartment without rotating the appliance, featuring an attachment feature with retention slots and tabs for secure coupling and easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rear surface is removed to access machine components, then accessibility is improved, but structural integrity and reinstallation complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to machine componentsVSAvoidstructural integrity of rear surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rear surface is segmented into a removable side access panel and a fixed main body. The side access panel can be detached independently to provide access to machine components, while the main body remains intact and structurally sound. This segmentation allows selective access without compromising the overall structural integrity of the appliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the rear surface is removed for access, then serviceability is improved, but reinstallation time and complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserviceability of machine componentsVSAvoidreinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The side access panel is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities through retention slots and tabs. These features enable quick connection and disconnection without requiring complex tools or procedures, significantly reducing both service time and reinstallation complexity while maintaining ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a removable side access panel is added, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to machine componentsVSAvoidstructural complexity of side panel assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side access panel incorporates localized structural features such as retention slots, tabs, and support ribs only where needed for attachment and structural support. The panel uses varying material thicknesses and densities - thinner and less complex in non-critical areas, and more robust only where structural integrity and attachment are required. This localized quality approach provides the necessary functionality while minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3845840B1Side access panel for an appliance

Publication Date: 2023.05.24 WHIRLPOOL CORP

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AI summary

An appliance cabinet (90) includes first and second sidewalls (150, 154). A rear wall (156) is disposed between the first and second sidewalls (150, 154). A machine compartment (30) is defined by a lower portion (158) of the rear wall (156). An attachment feature (34) defines openings (286) and is coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls (150, 154). A side access panel (38) is selectively coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls (150, 154) via fasteners (282) extending through the openings (286) defined by the attachment feature (34).