Folded Seam Connection With Visual Quality Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of folded seams produced by existing methods cannot be effectively checked, which is a concern for folded joints subjected to high loads, such as those in laundry drums during spinning processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of adjustment patterns on component connection areas, followed by bending to form folding tabs and flaps, and then pressing these together to create a channel fold, allowing for precise positioning and overlap evaluation to assess the seam's quality without destructive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional folded seam production methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the quality of the folded seam cannot be checked or evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment patterns are generated on the component connection areas before the folding process. These patterns serve as quality indicators that will be visible after folding, allowing non-destructive quality evaluation without adding complex inspection equipment to the production line.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment patterns are transferred or marked onto the component surfaces, creating a visual copy or representation of the intended fold alignment. This allows quality verification by simply observing the pattern alignment rather than requiring complex measurement devices.
2Reliability
If folded seams are subjected to high loads without quality verification, then the component can be used, but the reliability and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The folded seam structure itself contains the quality verification information through the adjustment patterns. The patterns are integrated into the component surfaces, allowing the structure to self-verify its quality through visual inspection of pattern alignment, eliminating the need for separate complex inspection procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment patterns are generated and overlapping is evaluated to ensure quality, then the folded seam quality can be assessed, but the production time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quality verification method replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with simple visual inspection of the adjustment patterns. The patterns provide direct visual feedback on fold alignment quality, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical measurements or sophisticated inspection equipment.
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
Enables the production of a stable and precisely formed folded seam connection that can be non-destructively evaluated for quality, ensuring suitable joints are identified and used under high loads.
Implementation Method 1
a folding tab is produced on each of the component connection areas by bending over an end area of the component connection areas that already have alignment patterns
Implementation Method 2
To produce the fold connection, the folds are pressed together in manufacturing step f) by applying a normal force, in particular perpendicular to the merging direction, so that the respective fold space is reduced and the fold tab located therein is clamped
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Method for producing a folded connection (1) between two component connection regions (2, 3) of a domestic appliance component, in which method the following steps are carried out: providing a first and a second blank of the component connection regions (2, 3), producing a first adjustment pattern (4, 4') in the first component connection region (2); producing a fold tab (11) on the first component connection region (2) by bending over an end region (8) of the first blank and in this way forming a fold space (10); producing a second adjustment pattern (5, 5') in the second component connection region (3); producing a fold tab (15) on the second component connection region (3) by bending over an end region (12) of the second blank and in this way forming a fold space (14); establishing interlocking engagement between the component connection regions (2, 3) by arranging the fold tab (11) of the first component connection region (2) in the fold space (14) of the second component connection region (3) and arranging the fold tab (15) of the second component connection region (3) in the fold space (10) of the first component connection region (2); and producing the folded connection (1) by pressing the fold tabs (11, 15) together in such a way that the fold tabs (11, 15) bear against one another and the adjustment patterns (4, 4', 5, 5') are arranged such that they at least partially overlap one another.