Domestic Appliance Casing Assembly with Plug-In Tab Pre-Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling a casing for domestic appliances, such as ovens, are laborious and costly due to the need for numerous tags, slots, or plug-in tabs, which require precise dimensions and positions, leading to inefficiencies in production.
Innovation Solution
The use of plug-in tabs arranged at the narrow sides of elongated foldbacks in adjacent parts of the casing, with corresponding openings, allowing for pre-fixing before final screw fixation, and the integration of these tabs as bent sheets within the casing, facilitating efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple tags and slots are used to secure adjacent parts together, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete plug-in tabs positioned at specific locations (corners and edges) rather than requiring continuous tagging along entire edges. Each tab acts as an independent connection unit, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining connection stability across the joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in tab is nested within the foldback structure of the adjacent part, with the tab extending from one part and inserting into a slot formed in the foldback of the other part. This nesting approach integrates the connection mechanism within the existing structural elements, eliminating the need for separate external tags and slots on both sides.
2Reliability
If numerous plug-in tabs and slots are used to secure walls together, then the connection reliability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foldback structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wall, creates the slot for the plug-in tab, and positions the connection point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated connection components, lowering production costs while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in tab and slot system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing during assembly. The tab automatically guides itself into the slot during the folding and assembly process, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or additional fastening operations, thereby reducing production complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positions and dimensions of tags and slots are required, then the connection precision is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in tabs and slots are pre-formed as integral parts of the sheet metal components during the forming process, before assembly. The foldbacks are pre-bent to create the slots, and the tabs are pre-positioned on the adjacent parts. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for precise field adjustments during assembly, maintaining connection precision while significantly improving assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in tab and slot are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide inherent alignment guidance. The tab has a specific shape that complements the slot's asymmetric form, creating a self-guiding connection that tolerates minor variations in positioning while ensuring precise final alignment, thereby reducing the stringency of manufacturing tolerances required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a casing for a domestic appliance, in particular for a cooking oven. The casing comprises a bottom part (40) formed as a metal sheet, two side walls (20) formed as metal sheets, a rear part (30) formed as a metal sheet, and a top part (2) formed as a metal sheet. At least two adjacent parts (2, 20, 30, 40) of the casing are connected or connectable together along their common adjacent edges. At least one (40) of said two adjacent parts (20, 40) of the casing comprises a plug-in tab (46) and at least one other (20) of said two adjacent parts (20, 40) of the casing comprises an opening (29C), wherein the plug-in tab (46) is inserted in or insertable into the opening (29C) in order to pre-fix said two adjacent parts (20, 40) of the casing. Further, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a casing for a domestic appliance.