Adhesive Mounting of Appliance Components With Precise Actuator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing functional components to carrier elements in domestic appliances are either costly and complex mechanically or problematic to automate with adhesives, lacking a precise and economical solution.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of adhesive to a defined area, precise positioning using an actuator within a Cartesian coordinate system, and pressing the fixation area against a counter area on the reverse side of the carrier element, allowing for automated and cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connection methods are used to fix functional components to carrier elements, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection systems (screws, clips, snap-fits) with a simple adhesive application system. An adhesive dispenser applies adhesive through a nozzle directly to the carrier element, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and their associated alignment features, holes, and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical interlocking to chemical adhesion. By controlling adhesive application parameters (amount, position, distribution) and curing parameters (time, temperature), reliable bonding is achieved without mechanical complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive application methods are used to fix functional components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but automation difficulty increases due to handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive dispenser system is designed to automatically control adhesive application without manual intervention. The system self-regulates adhesive flow, positioning, and distribution, making the process inherently automatable and eliminating the handling difficulties associated with traditional adhesive methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is applied to fix functional components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates without advanced automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor adhesive application in real-time. Feedback from position sensors and adhesive flow sensors allows the system to adjust application parameters dynamically, ensuring precise positioning and consistent adhesive distribution even at low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive dispenser system integrates multiple functions into a single device: adhesive storage, precise positioning, controlled application, and curing monitoring. This multi-functionality achieves high positioning precision without requiring separate expensive automation systems for each function.
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 precise and economical fixation of functional components to carrier elements, reducing space requirements and facilitating automated assembly processes without significant investment.
Implementation Method 1
a) Applying a defined amount of adhesive on a fixation area of the functional component or the carrier element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fastening a functional component (1) to a carrier element (2) of a domestic appliance (3). To precisely fix the functional component to the carrier element the invention proposes the process steps: a) Applying a defined amount of adhesive (4) on a fixation area (5) of the functional component (1) or the carrier element (2); b) Positioning of the functional component (1) relatively to the carrier element (2) in a defined position by means of an actuator (6) of a mounting device (7); c) Pressing the fixation area (5) of the functional component (1) against the carrier element (2) by means of the actuator (6) of the mounting device (7), so that the fixation area (5) of the functional component (1) or of the carrier element (2) presses against a counter area (8) of the other part (2, 1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a mounting device (7) for fastening a functional component to a carrier element.