Drain Hose Holding Element for Automatic Appliance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing water-conducting household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, face challenges in appliance installation and production line handling due to the manual positioning of the drain hose's line end for testing purposes, leading to increased production costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A holding element is integrated into the appliance to pre-position the line end of the water line externally, allowing for automatic connection to a testing device and simplifying both installation and production line handling, featuring a keyhole-shaped feed-through aperture and locking projections for secure positioning and a locking plate for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the line end of the drain hose is not pre-positioned in a fixed manner, then the drain hose allows flexibility during installation, but manual positioning is required during production line testing which increases production costs and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element pre-positions the line end of the water line in a defined connecting position before the appliance reaches the testing device on the production line. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual intervention during testing, allowing automatic connection while maintaining installation flexibility.
2Reliability
If the line end of the drain hose is manually positioned for testing, then connection to the testing device can be achieved, but production costs increase and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element enables the water line to automatically assume its correct connecting position without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by mechanically guiding the line end into the proper position, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining reliable connection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drain hose is strain-relieved with retaining clips inside the appliance, then accidental dismounting is prevented, but the line end cannot be easily accessed for connection
Solution Approach 1:
The water line is functionally segmented into two parts: the internal portion secured by retaining clips for stability, and the external line end positioned by the holding element for accessibility. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - internal stability and external connectability - without compromising either requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A water-conducting household appliance includes a drain hose leading out of the household appliance, and a holding element which positions an open line end of the drain hose in a connecting position on an external side of the appliance.