Appliance Holding Structure for Hanging Storage and Cable Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small household appliances with electrical operation face challenges in storing their connection cables in an orderly and space-efficient manner, as existing solutions either require additional space or fail to securely manage the cable during storage.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with an annular recess for hanging storage and an open-edged cavity to securely clamp the connection cable, allowing it to slide freely, is integrated into the appliance's housing, forming a cable grommet that fixes the cable in a space-saving and organized state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the connection cable is wrapped around the small device for storage, then the device can be stored in a drawer or on a shelf, but the cable winding can come loose resulting in a disorderly, twisted and/or knotted tangle of cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable arrangement orderVSAvoidcable fixation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into two functional segments: an annular recess for hanging storage and an open-edged cavity for cable fixation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently - the annular recess provides stable hanging storage while the open-edged cavity secures the cable winding, preventing tangling without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixing device is provided on the plug to accommodate excess lengths of the connection cable, then the cable can be fixed spatially, but more space is required when storing the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fixationVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device merges two functions into a single compact structure integrated into the device housing: the annular recess for hanging storage and the open-edged cavity for cable fixation. By combining these functions in one location rather than adding separate fixing devices at the plug end, the solution achieves cable fixation without increasing overall storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The open-edged cavity is designed to receive and nest the cable winding within the device housing itself. The cable is inserted into the cavity and held in place, effectively nesting the cable within the device's own structure rather than requiring external fixing devices that would increase storage volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If the connection cable is wrapped around the device for storage, then the device can be stored compactly, but the cable becomes tangled and disordered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidcable arrangement order
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cable fixation function is extracted from the plug end and relocated to the device housing at the cable exit area. The open-edged cavity in the holding device provides a dedicated space within the housing where the cable can be neatly wound and secured, taking the cable management function out of the storage space calculation and preventing tangling in a compact manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2320777B1Electrically operable small appliance with holding device
Publication Date: 2013.12.11 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2320777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2320777B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrically operable small appliance (1, 1'), in particular a small household appliance, which is provided with a holding device (10) for the suspended storage of the small appliance (1, 1'). The holding device (10) has an annular cutout (14) for accommodating a securing element (20), in particular a hook, such that the small appliance can be suspended by the holding device (10) on the securing element (20). Advantageously, the holding device (10) additionally comprises an open-edge cavity (15) for accommodating at least one winding of the connection cable (6), with the result that, when the small appliance (1, 1’) is in the non-use state, the cable (6) can be wound around the housing (2) and fixed by means of the holding device (10).