Gas Range Molded Fixing Element for Tool-Free Gas Line Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas stoves require a separate fixing element to secure the gas line, complicating assembly and manufacturing, as the gas line must be inserted from above and fixed to prevent unintentional movement during transport and operation.
Innovation Solution
A molded fixing element integrated onto the housing wall, made of the same material, allows for plastic deformation to transition between assembly and operating positions, eliminating the need for a separate component and enabling manual assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fixing element is used to secure the gas line, then the gas line can be fixed reliably, but the assembly and manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is merged with the housing wall to form a single integrated component. The fixing element is molded onto the housing wall in one piece, eliminating the need for separate fixing components and simplifying the overall assembly structure while maintaining reliable gas line fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is pre-formed and molded onto the housing wall during manufacturing, so that it is already in the correct position and configuration before final assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate installation steps and reduces assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate fixing element is used to secure the gas line, then the gas line can be fixed reliably, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is combined with the housing wall as a single molded component made from the same material. This integration reduces the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is made from the same material as the housing wall, creating a homogeneous structure. This eliminates material compatibility issues and simplifies the manufacturing process by using a single material type for both the housing and fixing elements.
3Ease of operation
If the opening extends to the upper edge of the housing wall, then the gas line can be inserted from above, but the fixing element requires additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is integrated directly into the housing wall structure, eliminating the need for separate fixing components. This merging maintains ease of gas line insertion from above while removing the complexity of additional fixing assembly steps.
4Device complexity
If the fixing element is molded onto the housing wall, then the assembly is simplified, but the fixing element must be movable during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed with movable characteristics during the assembly process, allowing it to be positioned and adjusted as needed. This dynamic design enables the fixing element to transition from a movable state during assembly to a fixed state during operation, simplifying the overall assembly structure.
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
Simplifies assembly by integrating the fixing element into the housing wall, ensuring secure fixation of the gas line without additional components, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing element can be moved relative to the housing wall by material deformation, preferably by plastic material deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The household appliance has a housing wall (1) with an opening (5), where a gas line (6) is guided in an inner side of the domestic appliance. A fixing element (7) with a gas line is defined within the area of the opening that is provided relative to the housing wall. The fixing element is provided at the housing wall in a moving manner. An independent claim is also included for a method for mounting a household appliance.