Fastening structure for electric heating panels of electric heater, and electric heater

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric heating plate fixing structures for electric heaters require complex assembly processes, high labor costs, and inefficient wire fixation methods, often necessitating multiple operators and leading to potential wire damage due to sheet metal burrs.

Innovation Solution

A simplified electric heating plate fixing structure that omits ceramic base assemblies, using a cross beam, outer support, and first support with snap-fit or threaded connections, along with insulating structures, to facilitate easy assembly and efficient wire management, reducing labor costs and preventing wire damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ceramic base assemblies and bolt assemblies are used to fix electric heating plates, then the heating plates can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ceramic base assembly and bolt assembly into an integrated fixing structure where the ceramic base is directly mounted on the cross beam with built-in positioning and fixing features, eliminating the need for separate bolt assemblies and reducing the total number of parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the fixing system, removing the bolt assembly entirely and using a simplified ceramic base design that directly engages with the cross beam through integrated positioning holes and fixing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple ceramic base assemblies and bolt assemblies are used for each heating plate, then secure fixing is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fixing functions into a single integrated ceramic base assembly that includes positioning holes, mounting features, and fixing mechanisms, reducing the part count from multiple ceramic bases and bolts to a simplified integrated component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic base assembly is pre-assembled with positioning holes and fixing features before installation, allowing for quick alignment and attachment to the cross beam without requiring complex on-site assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If wires are fixed by buckles of the lower cross beam, then wire fixation is achieved, but the wire fixing method becomes complex and creates hidden troubles of sheet metal burrs scratching the wire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire fixation reliabilityVSAvoidwire damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plastic support as an intermediary component between the wire and the metal cross beam, which provides a burr-free surface for wire attachment and eliminates direct contact between wires and sharp metal edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple plastic support structure that is easy to manufacture and replace, providing a cost-effective solution to protect wires from damage by sheet metal burrs without requiring complex protective mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3819552B1Fastening structure for electric heating panels of electric heater, and electric heater
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3819552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819552B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3819552B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electric heating plate (1) fixing structure of an electric heater and an electric heater, the electric heating plate (1) fixing structure of an electric heater including a cross beam (2), an outer support (3) and a first support (4), the cross beam (2) being connected with the outer support (3), the electric heating plate (1) being connected with the first support (4), and the first support (4) being connected with the cross beam or/and the outer support (3).