Refrigerator Drain Hose Hook Connector for Secure Foam Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs face challenges in securely fixing the drain hose to the inner case during the assembly process, particularly when insulating foam is applied, as the hose needs to be positioned correctly to prevent movement and ensure proper condensate drainage without additional fastening members.
Innovation Solution
A hook structure is implemented, featuring fixing protrusions on the inner case and corresponding fixing holes on the connector, allowing the drain hose to be securely attached using a hooking method, which prevents movement and allows for insulator foam application without separate fastening members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drain hose is fixed using additional fastening members, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates both the connection function and the fixing function into a single component. The fixing protrusions are directly formed on the connector body, eliminating the need for separate fastening members. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable fixation of the drain hose to the inner case.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-fixing through its own structure. The fixing protrusions on the connector engage with corresponding features on the inner case, allowing the connector to secure itself without external fastening members. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall assembly while ensuring reliable fixation.
2Reliability
If the drain hose is fixed using additional fastening members, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the connection and fixing functions into a single connector component, the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled is reduced. This eliminates the need for separate fastening members, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable fixation through the integrated fixing protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-fixing design eliminates the need for additional fastening members, reducing the bill of materials and assembly steps. This self-service mechanism lowers manufacturing costs by simplifying the production process while ensuring reliable fixation through the connector's own structural features.
3Device complexity
If the drain hose is not securely fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but assembly errors occur and the drain hose moves
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector with built-in fixing protrusions provides precise positioning and secure fixation of the drain hose. The fixing protrusions engage with corresponding features on the inner case, preventing movement and assembly errors while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the elimination of separate fastening members.
4Ease of manufacture
If a hook structure is used to fix the drain hose, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the fixing strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines the hook structure for ease of assembly with integrated fixing protrusions for adequate fixation strength. The fixing protrusions are formed as integral parts of the connector, providing sufficient mechanical interlocking with the inner case to secure the drain hose reliably while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a refrigerator capable of easily fixing a drain hose to one side of an inner case without having an additional fixing member used of fixing a drain hose. A refrigerator having an inner case configured to have a storage compartment formed therein; an outer case disposed outside the inner case and spaced a predetermined distance away from the inner case; a drain hose connected to one side of the inner case and disposed in an inner space formed between the inner case and the outer case; and a connector configured to connect the drain hose to the inner case, wherein the connector is mounted in the inner case using a hooking method.