Side access panel for an appliance
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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 and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A side access panel is removably coupled to the appliance, allowing access to the machine compartment without rotating the appliance, featuring an attachment feature with a curved surface, support ribs, and a lattice structure for secure and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rear surface is removed to access machine components, then access to machine components is achieved, but the appliance requires partial rotation and the process is inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rear surface is segmented into a removable panel portion and a fixed portion. The removable panel can be detached independently to provide access to the machine compartment, eliminating the need to remove the entire rear surface and reducing the time and complexity of access procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The access function is extracted from the rear surface by providing a dedicated removable panel that can be independently removed. This allows the main rear surface structure to remain intact while providing convenient access to machine components through the separate panel removal process.
2Ease of operation
If a removable side access panel is added to provide convenient access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable panel incorporates specific local features such as engagement protrusions, recesses, and support ribs only where needed for the attachment and structural functions. This localized addition of complexity minimizes the overall impact on device complexity while providing the required access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable panel combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the access cover and the structural support element for the machine compartment. The integration of support ribs and engagement features directly into the panel design eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the side access panel includes support ribs and lattice structure for secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel design uses asymmetric support rib arrangements and engagement feature placements that are optimized for manufacturing efficiency. The ribs are positioned to provide maximum structural strength with minimum material usage, and the engagement features are designed to align naturally during assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ribs and lattice structure are designed with optimized dimensional parameters that balance attachment reliability with manufacturing cost. The rib thickness, spacing, and length are carefully selected to provide sufficient structural support while minimizing material consumption and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerating appliance includes a refrigerating cabinet that has an outer wrapper. A machine compartment is disposed proximate a rear bottom of the refrigerating cabinet. The machine compartment is defined by selectively removable side panels, an inner curved surface of the outer wrapper, and a bottom support plate. A controller is disposed within the machine compartment. Reinforcement segments extend from a planar extent of the outer wrapper to a lip of the bottom support plate.