Patent attributes
A movable panel assembly for an appliance includes a panel coupled to an appliance chassis via a cam mechanism, which is actuated by a stationary motor. The cam mechanism includes two parallel linkage portions, wherein each of the linkage portions are coupled to opposite ends of the panel. Each linkage portion includes a rack mounted to a sliding rail, which is translated by the motor via a gear engaging with the rack to move a plate. The plate includes a pin coupled to a cam follower, the pin being configured to translate within a channel disposed within a cam plate. The cam follower is configured to cause the panel to horizontally translate, pivot, and vertically translate relative to the chassis, thereby facilitating access to a component housing unit disposed behind the panel when the panel assembly is in a closed configuration.
