Appliance mounting assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum insulated appliances face challenges in securely mounting components like ladder racks and shelves without compromising the vacuum insulation, as conventional fastening methods can interfere with the insulation or fail to provide a stable, adjustable mounting system.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly featuring a self-clinching nut and a mounting bracket with distal arms and coupling members that securely fasten a ladder rack to the appliance panel, maintaining the vacuum insulation while allowing for adjustable and stable mounting of components through a snap-fit connection and mechanical fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening methods are used to mount components in vacuum insulated appliances, then mounting security is improved, but vacuum insulation integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the vacuum insulated panel and the component to be mounted (e.g., ladder rack). The bracket is attached to the exterior surface of the panel, allowing fastening of components without penetrating or compromising the vacuum insulation barrier. This mediator approach enables secure mounting while preserving the integrity of the vacuum insulated structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting positions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable features such as slots or multiple attachment points that allow the mounting position to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the same bracket design to accommodate different component sizes and positioning requirements while maintaining ease of installation. The dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between simple manufacturing and adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fastening methods are used, then mounting stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: the mounting bracket attached to the panel and the component (e.g., ladder rack) that needs to be mounted. This segmentation allows the bracket to provide stable mounting through secure attachment to the panel, while the modular design enables easy removal and reinstallation of the mounted component for repair or replacement purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance mounting assembly (10) includes a mounting bracket (22) with first and second distal arms (26, 30) that flare outward in opposing directions from an attachment body (34) and couple to a surface (18). The mounting bracket (22) includes a pair of coupling members (38) extending from the attachment body (34) toward the surface (18) and distal ends (46) that curve inward toward one another. A self-clinching nut (54) has an undercut (58), serrated clinching ring (62), and base (66). The undercut (58) and the serrated clinching ring (62) are disposed within an aperture (50) defined by the attachment body (34). A ladder rack (70) has first and second sides (74, 78) coupled via an attachment wall (82). The first and second sides (74, 78) define protrusions (86) that engage the pair of coupling members (38) in an interference fit. The attachment wall (82) defines a receiving hole (90) that aligns with the aperture assembled. A threaded fastener (98) extends through the receiving hole (90) and engages the self-clinching nut (54) to fasten the ladder rack (70) to the mounting bracket (22).