Hemmed shelf for appliance-module assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appliances with modular systems require numerous additional components (brackets and fasteners) for securing separate modules, complicating manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
Integration of hemmed shelves with U-shaped bends in sheet metal side walls to provide structural support for modules, eliminating the need for separate brackets and reducing the complexity of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brackets and fasteners are used to secure separate modules to side walls, then modules can be securely attached, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket functionality is merged into the side wall structure itself through hemmed shelves that are integrally formed with the side walls. This eliminates separate bracket components while maintaining secure module attachment, directly resolving the contradiction between attachment security and component complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are given multiple functions: they provide structural support for the appliance and simultaneously serve as mounting structures for modules through the integrated hemmed shelves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting components
2Reliability
If separate brackets and fasteners are used for module assembly, then modules can be securely mounted, but manufacturing and assembly processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is combined with the side wall in a single integrated component. The hemmed shelves are formed as part of the side wall fabrication process, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate brackets, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure mounting capability
3Strength
If multiple separate components are used to support modules, then structural support can be provided, but the overall weight of the appliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged into the existing side walls, eliminating the need for separate support components. The hemmed shelves utilize the side wall material itself for support, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural capability
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls serve dual purposes as both structural supports for the appliance body and as mounting structures for modules. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant support components and reduces overall weight
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance including a cooking cavity wrapper and a first side wall disposed laterally adjacent a first side of the cooking cavity wrapper. The first side wall includes a first hemmed shelf formed as a U-shaped bend therein. The U-shaped bend defines an inward-extending flange comprising a top leg and a bottom leg disposed in face-to-face adjacency with one another. The first hemmed shelf is adapted to support a module of the appliance above the cooking cavity wrapper.