Extractor Hood Assembly with Tolerance-Compensating Stiffening Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling extractor hood components require precise matching and low manufacturing tolerances, leading to increased costs and complex assembly processes due to the need for a precise fit between separate sheet metal parts.

Innovation Solution

A structural unit with deformed sections and a stiffening device that creates a form-fitting connection by filling the free space between components, allowing for assembly with larger manufacturing tolerances and eliminating the need for precise fitting, using a plastic stiffening device that compensates for tolerances and provides a non-positive connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If components are assembled with precise fitting and low manufacturing tolerances, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the tolerance parameter from tight to loose by introducing a stiffening device that compensates for dimensional variations. The stiffening device is designed with specific geometric features (deformed sections with upper, lower, and lateral portions) that adapt to tolerance variations, allowing components to be manufactured with larger tolerances while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffening device acts as an intermediary element between the first and second components. It fills the gap created by loose tolerances and provides the necessary mechanical support for stable connection. The device includes engagement features that interact with both components, mediating the connection and compensating for dimensional variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If components are assembled with precise fitting and low manufacturing tolerances, then connection stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening device serves as a mediator that simplifies assembly by providing self-aligning features. The deformed sections with run-on bevels guide the components into proper alignment during assembly, reducing the skill and time required compared to precise fitting methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the assembly parameter from precision alignment to tolerance compensation. The stiffening device's geometric features automatically adapt to dimensional variations, eliminating the need for precise alignment during assembly while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If larger manufacturing tolerances are used, then manufacturing cost decreases and assembly simplicity improves, but connection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the tolerance parameter from tight to loose and compensates for the resulting instability through the stiffening device. The device's deformed sections are specifically designed to accommodate dimensional variations while providing sufficient mechanical support for stable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffening device mediates between components manufactured with loose tolerances, providing the necessary mechanical support and stability. It fills the gap created by tolerance variations and ensures reliable connection despite the lack of precise fitting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If larger manufacturing tolerances are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but assembly precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the manufacturing precision parameter from high to low and compensates through the stiffening device's tolerance compensation features. The deformed sections with run-on bevels automatically adapt to dimensional variations, maintaining assembly quality despite reduced manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3026350B1Extractor hood having a construction unit
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3026350B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3026350B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Assembly (1) of an extractor hood (100), comprising a first component (2), a second component (3), the first component (2) having a forming section (4) with an upper (17), a lower (18) and has a lateral section (19) and wherein the second component (3) has at least one deformed section (5). The deformed section (4) of the first component (2) partially surrounds the deformed section (5) of the second component to connect the two components (2, 3). A free space (6) is provided between the upper (17) and/or the lower section (18) of the deformed section (4) of the first component (2) and the deformed section (5) of the second component (3). Furthermore, at least one stiffening device (7) is provided, which is suitable and designed to fill the free space (6) between the deformed sections (4, 5) in sections in order to create a substantially form-fitting connection between the two components (2, 3). .