Built-Under Appliance Pivoting Tabs for Fast Worktop Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing built-under household appliances are cumbersome due to the need for elongate bridging pieces and screw fixation, especially when the appliance body has insulating material, requiring additional construction features and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
A built-under household appliance design featuring a profile element with pivoting tabs that extend from the upper edge to overhang the front edge, allowing for easy attachment to a worktop or surface during installation, eliminating the need for conventional bridging pieces and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elongate bridging piece is used to fix the appliance to the worktop, then the appliance can be securely fixed at its installation location, but the installation work and time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are pre-installed on the appliance body at the factory in a protected position, so that during installation only a simple pivoting motion is needed to swing them forward into the fastening position. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly of bridging pieces and significantly reduces installation time while maintaining secure fixation.
2Ease of manufacture
If screw holes or wall pieces are provided in the appliance body to fasten the bridging piece, then the bridging piece can be attached to the appliance body, but the construction complexity and manufacturing work are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are integrally formed with the appliance body as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate bridging pieces and their associated attachment features. The tab itself serves as both the structural element and the fastening element, requiring no additional screw holes or wall pieces in the appliance body, thus simplifying both manufacturing and structure.
3Ease of operation
If the tab is positioned to overhang the front edge for fastening, then the appliance can be easily installed by screwing to the worktop, but the tab is exposed to damage during transport and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed to be pivotable between a protected retracted position during transport and an active overhanging position during installation. This dynamic positioning allows the tab to be shielded when not in use, preventing damage during handling, while enabling easy access to the worktop for fastening when installation is required.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The appliance has a body (1) with a front and back which meet at a front upper edge. A tongue is provided adjacent this edge. The tongue is pivotal from a position in which it extends on the top of the body to a position in which it at least partly protrudes beyond the upper front edge.