Door for a domestic appliance with a connecting element comprising a centering element, household appliance with such a door and method for fitting a door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door designs for household appliances lack precise positional accuracy when mounting the front pane on the carrier element, limiting the precision of the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a connecting element with a centering element, such as a tapered plate-shaped tab, that automatically positions the front pane relative to the carrier element during assembly, allowing for precise adjustment in both width and depth directions, and additional hook parts for secure mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a simple separate mounting of the front pane is used, then the assembly process is simple, but the positioning accuracy between the front pane and carrier element is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element is pre-integrated into the connecting element structure, performing the centering function before the final assembly operation. The tapered geometry is pre-formed to guide the insertion and automatic centering during the assembly process, eliminating the need for separate positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element acts as an intermediary component between the connecting element and the front pane, providing a mediating function that enables precise positioning. The tapered tab serves as a geometric intermediary that translates the insertion motion into automatic centering alignment.
2Strength
If multiple connecting elements are used to secure the front pane, then the mechanical coupling is robust, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element and connecting element are merged into a single integrated component. The tapered tab and hook portion are formed as one piece, combining the centering function and the mechanical connection function into a unified structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining robust coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a centering guide (through the tapered tab) and as a mechanical fastener (through the hook portion). This single component performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate elements, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring strong mechanical coupling.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a door (5) for a household appliance (1), comprising a support element (19) and a front panel (10) arranged on the support element (19). Connecting elements (11 to 14) for connecting the front panel (10) to the support element (19) are arranged on an inner surface (10a) of the front panel (10) facing the support element (19). A first connecting element (11, 12) has a centering element (16) with which the front panel (10) can be automatically adjusted in the width direction of the door (5) relative to the support element (19) during assembly. The invention also relates to a household appliance (1) with a door (5) and a method for mounting a front panel (10) on a support element (19) of a door (5).