Electrode device, method for making such, and household appliance including such
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrode devices in household appliances face challenges in achieving accurate and durable assembly, while maintaining low production costs and ease of installation, particularly in ensuring proper cooperation with controllers for conductivity measurements.
Innovation Solution
The electrode device consists of an electrically conductive electrode fixed to an insulating carrier, with a latch at one end and a register pin at the other, allowing for easy assembly by aligning the electrode's midline with the carrier's main plane, using a swiveling mechanism to secure the electrode with a register hole and pin, ensuring firm fixation without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode devices use simple mounting methods, then production cost is reduced, but assembly accuracy and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is pre-equipped with a latch structure and register hole before assembly. The latch is preliminarily positioned on the electrode, and the register hole is pre-formed at a specific location. During assembly, these pre-prepared features automatically guide the electrode to the correct position relative to the carrier, ensuring assembly accuracy without requiring complex fixtures or multiple adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The register pin and latch structure enable the electrode to self-align and self-fixate during assembly. When the electrode is inserted into the carrier, the register pin automatically engages with the register hole, and the latch secures itself into the groove without requiring external tools or additional components. This self-service mechanism ensures precise assembly while keeping the device simple and cost-effective.
2Ease of operation
If conventional electrode devices use simple mounting methods, then ease of installation is improved, but durability under long-term strain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the latch structure divided into a latch body and engagement portion, the register pin as a separate positioning feature, and the groove as a dedicated receptacle. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently - the register pin ensures accurate positioning, while the latch provides secure fixation - resulting in a simple installation process that also ensures long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch includes a curved engagement portion that flexibly engages with the groove. This curved geometry allows the latch to accommodate minor variations in assembly tolerance and to flex under thermal expansion or mechanical strain, maintaining reliable contact over time. The curvature provides a spring-like effect that ensures continuous engagement without requiring precise pre-adjustment, simplifying installation while enhancing durability.
3Measurement precision
If electrode devices require precise alignment during assembly, then measurement accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simple geometric registration mechanism. Instead of using adjustable mounts, precision machined surfaces, or alignment fixtures, the invention uses the register pin fitting into the register hole and the latch engaging with the groove. This mechanical substitution creates inherent geometric constraints that automatically ensure the electrode is positioned at the correct orientation and location, guaranteeing measurement accuracy while keeping the assembly process simple and tool-free.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode device 1 including at least one electrically conductive electrode 3 fixed to an electrically insulating carrier 2, the electrode 3 extended along a midline 4 and having a first end 5 and a second end 7, the second end 7 including a first tab 8 for mounting an electrical connector 15. The first end 5 includes a latch 6 inserted into a corresponding groove 11 in the carrier 2 and the second end 7 includes a register hole 10 registered with a corresponding register pin 13 formed on a flexible second tab 12 formed at the carrier 2. The invention also relates to a method for making such electrode device 1, and to a household appliance 16 including such electrode device 1. The household appliance may be a laundry dryer 16.