Compressor Mounting with Snap-On Damping Bodies for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances require complex and tool-dependent assembly processes for mounting compressors, which are costly, time-consuming, and pose risks of injury due to the need for bending metal sections, while also requiring additional components for secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
The compressor is mounted using damping bodies with insertion means that allow for snap-on assembly without plastic deformation of retaining tabs, eliminating the need for tools and additional components, and ensuring secure engagement through geometric and material design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retaining tabs are bent to secure the compressor, then the compressor is firmly fastened, but plastic deformation is required and tools are needed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the retaining tabs to secure the compressor, the patent inverts the approach by having the damping bodies deform elastically to release the retaining tabs from their bent position. The retaining tabs are initially bent during assembly to enable insertion, then the damping bodies spring back to their original shape, pushing the tabs into their final secured position against the compressor housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation of the damping bodies as a temporary state during assembly. The damping bodies are selected with specific elastic properties that allow them to deform during the assembly process and then return to their original shape, providing the force needed to secure the retaining tabs without requiring permanent deformation of the tabs themselves.
2Reliability
If tools are used to bend retaining tabs, then secure fastening is achieved, but assembly time increases and injury risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The damping bodies perform a dual function: they provide vibration damping during operation and serve as the actuating mechanism during assembly. The elastic recovery of the damping bodies automatically secures the retaining tabs without requiring external tools or manual bending operations, making the assembly process self-service and eliminating the need for specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping bodies act as an intermediary between the retaining tabs and the compressor housing. During assembly, they mediate the securing process by using their elastic recovery to push the retaining tabs into their final positioned state, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation or tool-based bending of the tabs.
3Reliability
If additional components are used to secure the compressor, then mounting reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping bodies are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide vibration damping during compressor operation and simultaneously serve as the actuating mechanism for securing the retaining tabs during assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate securing components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vibration damping function with the securing function into a single component system. The damping bodies and retaining tabs work together as an integrated assembly mechanism, where the damping bodies' elastic properties are exploited to both damp vibrations and provide the securing force, eliminating the need for additional separate securing components.
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 method simplifies the compressor installation process, reduces costs, enhances safety by eliminating tool-related risks, and provides a reliable, tool-free assembly that securely fastens the compressor without risking plastic deformation or injury.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic properties of the damping bodies, which are conventionally only intended for vibration damping, can be specifically exploited during assembly. During assembly of the compressor, the damping bodies can be deformed elastically in such a way that they can be pushed over the securing section of the retaining tabs
Implementation Method 2
A vibration-damped bearing prevents direct contact between the compressor on the one hand and a body of the refrigeration device on the other via the elastic damping bodies. In this way, the transmission of possible vibrations from the compressor to the body of the refrigeration device and thus the generation of annoying noises is reduced
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a compressor (11) having compressor feet (14, 15), which is supported on a support rail (13, 44) by way of elastic damping bodies (16, 17, 18) that are arranged in openings (30) of the compressor feet (14, 15), and which is held thereto by way of the damping bodies (16, 17, 18) by bottom-penetrating retaining tabs (20, 21, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47) having securing portions (24, 25) engaging the damping bodies (16, 17, 18) from behind. In order to allow a simple and economical installation of the compressor, which nonetheless results in a permanently secure retention of the compressor, end portions (22, 23) of the retaining tabs (20, 21, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47) extending beyond the damping bodies (16, 17, 18), according to the invention, have insertion means, which are designed in such a way that the compressor (11) is mounted, or can be mounted, without a plastic deformation of the retaining tabs (20, 21, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47).