Refrigerator Inner Lining Backing Part Locking for Easier Foam Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration devices face complex assembly processes due to separate components for the backing part's sealing element and retaining clips, leading to increased complexity in both assembly and production technology.
Innovation Solution
A backing part with an elastically yielding sealing element and a transverse stop that protrudes into a locking recess in the inner lining, allowing for pre-positioning with a large hole play and subsequent adjustment into a final assembly position, securing the backing part against transverse displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate retaining clips and sealing elements are used to secure the backing part, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the assembly complexity and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element and retaining clips are merged into a single integrated sealing element that performs both sealing and retention functions. The sealing element includes integrated retaining clips that engage with the interior lining to secure the backing part, eliminating the need for separate retention components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides sealing against the interior lining and mechanical retention through integrated clips. This universal component performs multiple functions (sealing, retaining, and positioning) that were previously distributed across separate parts, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable fixation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the backing part is secured with small hole play for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of pre-assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-formed with integrated retaining clips and elastic properties before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the sealing element to be inserted into the backing part in advance, and its elastic nature enables it to automatically adapt and secure the backing part during the foaming process without requiring precise pre-positioning with minimal hole play.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the sealing element allow it to change its dimensional parameters (deform and recover) during assembly. This parameter change capability enables the sealing element to accommodate larger hole play during pre-assembly for ease of insertion, then automatically adjust to provide precise positioning and secure fixation when the backing part is firmly mounted.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process by enabling easy insertion and adjustment of the backing part, reducing the clear width required for assembly and enhancing the ease of pre-assembly, while maintaining secure positioning during the foaming of the thermal insulation foam.
Implementation Method 1
the backing part has an elastically yielding sealing element, with which the circumferential edge web is pressed against the inner lining with a certain prestressing force
Implementation Method 2
An insulating foam is then inserted between the inner lining and an outer lining in the foaming process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigeration device, with a thermally insulating wall (1) having a thermal insulation layer (7) produced by applying foam material between an interior panelling (3) and an exterior panelling (5), which interior panelling (3) comprises an assembly opening (19) in which a backing piece (11) is inserted, at least one edge web (23) of which reaches in a final assembly position (E) over the opening edge of the assembly opening (19) on the side (27) of the interior panelling (3) facing away from the thermal insulation layer (7) and has an elastically yielding sealing element (29), which is braced against the side of the interior panelling (3) facing the thermal insulation layer (7) and presses the edge web (23) of the backing piece (11) against the interior panelling (3) with a bias force (FV). According to the invention, a transverse stop (31) is formed on the contact side (25) of the edge web (23) facing the interior panelling (3), said transverse stop projecting in the final assembly position (E) into a locking recess (19; 39) of the interior panelling (3) and securing the backing part (11) in a stationary position preventing a transverse displacement along the wall plane.