Upper plinth or top panel cover for domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliances lack a removable upper plinth or top panel structure that allows easy access for service technicians while maintaining aesthetic appeal and reversible functionality without requiring complete separation from the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A removable upper plinth or top panel cover that can be detached and flipped down, featuring a tether system and adjustable attachment members to secure it to the appliance, allowing for reversible installation and hiding components while providing access to hidden areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the upper plinth or top panel cover is made removable to allow service access, then serviceability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible gaps and incomplete separation
Solution Approach 1:
The upper plinth or top panel cover is divided into multiple sections with different attachment mechanisms. The front portion uses aesthetic clips that hide mounting elements, while the rear service access portion uses quick-release latches that allow easy removal. This segmentation enables the front to maintain aesthetic appearance while the rear provides easy service access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic multi-state structure. It can be in a fully attached state for normal operation, a partially detached state for service access where the rear portion can be opened independently, and a fully removed state for complete service. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining appearance and enabling service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distinct left and right plastic molded parts are used for left or right hand doors, then door-specific functionality is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple SKUs and parts inventory
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are designed with asymmetric features that automatically orient themselves correctly during installation. The clips and latches have built-in alignment guides and directional engagement surfaces that ensure proper left or right hand configuration without requiring different part numbers. This asymmetric design enables universal compatibility while maintaining door-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal upper plinth or top panel cover design with adaptable attachment members can serve both left and right hand door configurations. The attachment system is designed to accommodate either configuration using the same part, eliminating the need for separate left and right SKUs and reducing parts inventory complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the upper plinth or top panel cover is completely separated from the appliance for service access, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of loss or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper plinth or top panel cover is designed to nest within or attach to the appliance body through the tether system. When detached for service, the cover remains physically connected to the appliance via tethers that allow movement but prevent complete separation or loss. This nested connection provides service accessibility while eliminating the risk of the cover being misplaced or damaged.
4Ease of manufacture
If mounting clips are positioned at the center line of the plinth, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but visible gaps appear due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clips are repositioned from the center line (horizontal dimension) to the lower portion of the plinth, utilizing the vertical dimension for mounting. This dimensional shift allows the clips to be positioned where tolerance accumulation does not result in visible gaps, as the mounting location is below the visible gap area. The center line positioning is maintained for aesthetic reference while the actual functional mounting occurs in a different dimension where tolerances are not visible.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable upper plinth or top panel structure for a domestic appliance, includes: an elongated plate-shaped cover for covering an access opening at a top portion of the domestic appliance; a plurality of attachment members disposed on the elongated plate-shaped cover for detachably mounting the elongated plate-shaped cover to the domestic appliance; and a plurality of tethers connected to the elongated plate-shaped cover, such that on condition that the elongated plate-shaped cover is detached from the domestic appliance to expose the access area, the elongated plate-shaped cover flips downward and hangs on the plurality of tethers.