Console Lift Protection With Detachable Counter-Holder Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-lift devices for securing radiators are either ineffective for heavy radiators due to material fatigue or require complex assembly and are inflexible, making them costly and difficult to use across different console dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A detachable counter-holder system that securely attaches to both the securing part and the bracket, allowing for easy assembly and secure fastening without tools, using plastic components with necessary elasticity and strength for sound decoupling, and adaptable to various console types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a thin-walled bracket is used for the anti-lift device, then assembly is easy and the securing part can be attached using elastic forces, but the nose cannot permanently absorb larger forces and the plastic components fatigue over time causing the nose to slip out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidforce absorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-lift device is divided into separate components: a securing part with a nose and a counter-holder with holding projections. The nose engages with openings in the bracket while the counter-holder provides additional securing points, distributing the mechanical load across multiple elements rather than relying on a single thin-walled structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines plastic components (securing part with nose) and metal components (counter-holder with holding projections). This composite construction allows the plastic nose to provide easy assembly through elastic deformation while the metal counter-holder provides durable force absorption and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a thick-walled bracket is used to absorb larger forces, then strength is improved, but assembly becomes very difficult as the elasticity of the securing part is insufficient to bring the lug into the opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capacityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is segmented into a securing part that attaches to the front of the bracket and a counter-holder that attaches to the back. This allows the thick-walled bracket to provide structural strength while the securing part uses elastic forces for easy assembly without requiring the entire bracket to be thin-walled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The counter-holder acts as an intermediary element that bridges the securing part and the thick-walled bracket. It provides holding projections that engage with openings in the thick bracket, enabling secure attachment without requiring the securing part itself to have sufficient elasticity for thick-walled engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a locking device with a fork piece and safety hook is used, then security against lifting is improved, but the device consists of many individual parts making it expensive to manufacture and complicated to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against liftingVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-holder combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides holding projections for mechanical engagement with the bracket, structural support for force absorption, and positioning features for alignment. This eliminates the need for separate fork pieces, safety hooks, and other individual components found in traditional locking devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The counter-holder serves multiple purposes: it secures the securing part to the bracket through holding projections, provides structural strength for heavy radiators, enables tool-free assembly through its engagement mechanism, and ensures proper positioning during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a locking device with spring force is used, then security is improved, but a certain dimension of the console must be provided making the device inflexible for different console dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against liftingVSAvoidadaptability to different console dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism between the counter-holder and bracket is designed to be adaptable rather than fixed. The holding projections can engage with openings at different positions on the bracket, allowing the same counter-holder to work with various console dimensions and configurations without requiring spring forces or adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides a secure, easy-to-assemble, and cost-effective anti-lift device capable of handling heavy radiators, ensuring effective prevention of unintentional lifting while being adaptable to different console dimensions and materials.

Implementation Method 1

assembly is very difficult since the lug is introduced into the opening using the elastic forces of the securing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2620712B1Lift protection for a console
Publication Date: 2016.05.18 WEMEFA HORST CHRISTOPEIT GMBH
  • EP2620712B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2620712B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2620712B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The device has a securing unit (10) comprising a lower region (11) that is inserted into a U-shaped receptacle (31) of bracket (30). A lower edge (42) of an attachment tab (40) is inserted into a bottom groove (12) formed in the securing element. The attachment tab is partially enclosed by securing element for preventing rising of attachment tab. A counter-holder (20) is connected with bracket through securing element for securing receptacle of bracket, such that bracket is detachably attached to securing element by fitting and hooking.