Flexible Bridging Unit for Appliance-Furniture Gap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliance devices face challenges in user convenience due to the need for cutting connecting links to accommodate small gaps between appliance bodies and furniture, leading to complex and time-consuming installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A bridging unit with a flexible connecting link guided by a sectionally curved slot in the first bridging element allows for easy assembly by avoiding cutting, providing a durable and cost-effective solution that adapts to varying gap sizes without requiring extensive adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid vertical connecting link is used in a vertical guiding slot, then the bridging unit provides structural stability, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need to cut the connecting link to accommodate small gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting link is changed from rigid to flexible, allowing it to bend and adapt to different gap sizes without cutting. This parameter change in material rigidity enables the link to deform elastically within its flexible regions, accommodating variations in installation space while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting link is divided into rigid sections and flexible regions, where the flexible regions can bend to accommodate gaps while the rigid sections maintain structural integrity. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to serve different functions - structural support and adaptive adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting link is cut to accommodate small gaps, then the bridging unit fits the gap, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting link incorporates flexible regions that can bend to adapt to different gap sizes without requiring cutting or modification. This eliminates time-consuming assembly steps while maintaining adaptability to various installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connecting link automatically adjusts to the required gap size through elastic deformation, without requiring external tools or cutting operations. The component serves itself by adapting to the installation space through its inherent flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid connecting link is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation requires cutting and adjustment for varying gap sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting link is manufactured with flexible regions that provide bendability while maintaining overall structural integrity. This design change enables the component to adapt to varying gap sizes without compromising manufacturing feasibility, as the flexible regions can be created through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting link combines rigid and flexible characteristics within a single component, achieving both structural stability and adaptability. This composite approach allows the bridging unit to maintain strength where needed while providing flexibility for installation adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
For the purpose of providing a home appliance device with improved characteristics regarding user convenience, a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed with at least one bridging unit which is configured for bridging at least one gap between at least one appliance body and at least one part of a piece of furniture, the bridging unit comprising at least one first bridging element and at least one second bridging element that at least partly engages into the first bridging element in at least one assembled state. The second bridging element includes at least one flexible connecting link that is guided in at least one at least sectionally curved guiding slot of the first bridging element.