Fastening Element with Reversible Lock for Top-Down Grid Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for household appliances, particularly telescopic runners at side grids, are difficult to handle due to the need for rotation around a horizontal axis to disengage from the grid.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with an upper and lower holding section and a middle lock portion that allows top-down attachment and reversible deformation to prevent unhooking, featuring hook-like shapes, apertures, and a tongue-like projection for secure and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fastening element uses a snap-on mechanism with C-shape configuration to fix components at the side grid, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because rotation around a horizontal axis is required for disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the disengagement mechanism by making the lock portion movable instead of requiring movement of the entire fastening element. The lock portion can be independently actuated to release the locking engagement, allowing simple linear disengagement without rotation. This is achieved by making the lock portion a separate movable component that can be actuated to disengage from the rod, reversing the conventional approach where the whole fastener must be manipulated for release.
2Reliability
If the fastening element is designed with a solid fixation mechanism, then the reliability of component attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening element into distinct functional parts: holding sections for engagement and a separate lock portion for securing. This segmentation allows the locking function to be isolated in a small, simple movable component rather than integrating complexity throughout the entire fastener. The lock portion is a separate element that can be independently actuated, reducing the overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable fixation through the specialized locking mechanism.
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 solution provides a solid and easy-to-handle fixation of components at the side grid, ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment without the need for rotational handling, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the lock portion being reversibly deformable, e.g. by bending between a locked and an unlocked state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening element for fixing a component (11) at a side grid (10) comprising multiple rods (10.1), the fastening element (20) comprising an upper holding section (21), a lower holding section (22) and a middle section (23) being arranged between the upper and lower holding section (21, 22), wherein the upper and lower holding sections (21, 22) are adapted to encompass a rod (10.1) at an upper side in order to enable hanging arrangement of the fastening element (20) on the side grid (10) by a top-down movement and wherein the fastening element (20) further comprises a lock portion (24), the lock portion (24) being reversibly deformable between a locked and an unlocked state, the lock portion (24) being further adapted to interact with a lower side of a rod (10.1) in the locked state in order to avoid unhooking of the fastening element (20) in said locked state.