Cabinet panel interlocks for appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of cabinet panels for consumer appliances, such as dryers, often requires multiple operators and numerous screws, presenting challenges in accessibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interlocking features between the base and side panels, including locking tabs and interlock projections, allows for secure connection with reduced screw requirements, enabling easier assembly and improved panel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional screw connection is used to connect side panel with base panel, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly requires minimum three operators and ten or more screws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from traditional screw fasteners and implements it through integrated interlocking features. The side panel includes a flange with interlocking tabs that engage with corresponding recesses in the base panel, eliminating the need for multiple screws and complex assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection function with the structural elements of the panels themselves. The flange and interlocking tabs are integrated into the side panel design, combining structural support and connection functions into unified components rather than separate fastening elements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional screw connection is used to connect side panel with base panel, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the accessibility for screw drivers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for screw drivers and external fastening tools by implementing self-interlocking features. The tabs and recesses engage through simple insertion and compression, eliminating the accessibility issues associated with positioning screw drivers in confined cabinet assembly areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance that includes a cabinet having a base panel interlocked with a side panel is provided. The base panel includes interlocking features, including an interlock housing defining a tab receiving slot and an interlock projection projecting upward from the base panel. The side panel includes a panel body and a mounting flange extending from the panel body. The side panel also includes interlocking features, including a locking tab extending from the mounting flange. Further, the mounting flange defines a locking slot. To interlock the side panel with the base panel, the locking tab of the side panel is received within the tab receiving slot of the interlock housing of the base panel and the interlock projection is received within the locking slot of the mounting flange of the side panel.