Cooktop Heating Element Spring Clip for Fastener-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooktops require additional fasteners to secure spring clips to heating elements and support boxes, which complicates the installation process and may lead to misalignment or incomplete engagement between the heating elements and the cooktop plate.
Innovation Solution
A spring clip design that eliminates the need for additional fasteners by using a seat portion, upward and downward tabs, and an elastically biased spring tab to securely attach the heating element to the support box and ensure continuous seated engagement with the cooktop plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fasteners are used to secure spring clips to heating elements and support boxes, then the spring clip can be reliably attached, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip integrates multiple functions into a single component: the clip body provides structural support, the spring tab provides elastic biasing force, and the tabs provide attachment points. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and simplifies the overall assembly structure while maintaining reliable attachment between the heating element and support box.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tab utilizes elastic deformation to automatically secure the spring clip to the heating element and support box without requiring additional fasteners. The elastic biasing force self-engages the tabs with corresponding slots or holes, enabling self-securing during installation and eliminating complex fastening operations.
2Reliability
If additional fasteners are used to secure spring clips, then attachment is achieved, but installation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tab's elastic properties enable automatic engagement with the heating element and support box slots during a single insertion motion. This self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for separate fastening steps, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable attachment through the elastic biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tab is pre-configured with elastic biasing force during manufacturing, so that during installation it automatically exerts the necessary securing force without requiring additional operations. The preliminary elastic energy storage enables immediate secure engagement upon insertion, accelerating the installation process.
3Reliability
If conventional clips are used with additional fasteners, then secure attachment is achieved, but misalignment or incomplete engagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tab's elastic properties allow it to accommodate minor dimensional variations and misalignments between the heating element and support box. The elastic deformation capability compensates for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable engagement even when perfect alignment is not achieved, thereby reducing the stringency of alignment precision requirements.
4Device complexity
If a simple spring clip design without additional fasteners is used, then installation is simplified, but secure attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tab is designed with curved or bent geometry that provides elastic flexibility. This curved structure allows the tab to deflect and engage with corresponding slots or holes in the heating element and support box, creating a secure mechanical interlock without requiring additional fasteners. The curvature enables both simplicity and secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tab transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic component that can deflect and recover. This dynamic behavior allows the tab to adapt during installation, securely engaging with the heating element and support box while maintaining attachment reliability. The elastic deformation provides both simplicity of design and security of attachment.
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 spring clip design simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for additional fasteners, ensures continuous and secure engagement between the heating element and the cooktop plate, and facilitates efficient assembly, especially in automated processes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring tab extends downward from the seat portion and is elastically biased to a resting orientation. The spring tab is deflectable upward from the resting orientation upon engagement of the spring clip against a wall below the spring clip.
Data Source
AI summary
A spring clip for securing a heating element in a cooktop is provided and includes a seat portion that supports the heating element thereon. A first tab extends upwards from the seat portion from a first junction therewith and a second tab extends vertically downward from the seat portion from a second junction therewith, located remote from the first junction. A spring tab extends downward from the seat portion and is elastically biased to a resting orientation. The spring tab is deflectable upward from the resting orientation upon engagement of the spring clip against a wall below the spring clip.