Household device component with a coextruded decorative part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative metal parts in household appliances that are curved and do not extend in one plane face challenges in maintaining a kink-free, elastic state while ensuring reliable fastening without inducing mechanical tensions.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance component featuring a decorative part made of co-extruded metal and plastic, allowing for individual bending and reduced mechanical stresses, with a metal exterior and plastic interior, and integrated fastening elements like L-shaped hook rails for stable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a pure metal decorative part is bent to achieve a curved, non-planar shape, then the decorative appearance and individuality are improved, but the part develops kinks and loses its elastic state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by co-extruding metal and plastic in a single integrated profile. The metal layer provides the decorative appearance and can be plastically bent into curved shapes, while the plastic layer maintains elasticity and prevents kinks. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between achieving a curved shape and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by combining two materials with different mechanical properties. The metal component allows for plastic deformation to achieve the desired curved shape, while the plastic component provides elastic recovery and prevents permanent kinks. This parameter change enables both shape flexibility and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pure metal decorative part is attached to the base part, then the decorative function is achieved, but mechanical stresses and unwanted tensions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic component in the composite profile absorbs mechanical stresses during attachment and use, protecting the metal decorative layer from unwanted tensions. This allows the decorative part to be securely attached to the base part while preventing stress-related damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stress distribution by introducing a plastic material with different mechanical properties. The plastic layer has higher ductility and can accommodate attachment stresses without transmitting them to the metal decorative layer, thereby reducing mechanical stress and tension in the overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a decorative part is made from a single material, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the part cannot achieve both plastic bending and elastic recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses co-extrusion technology to manufacture a single integrated profile from two different materials. This process, while slightly more complex than single-material extrusion, still maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while enabling the metal layer to be plastically bent and the plastic layer to provide elastic recovery. The co-extrusion process allows both materials to be processed simultaneously in one operation.
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
This solution enables a lightweight, aesthetically versatile decorative part with reduced risk of kinks and mechanical damage, ensuring reliable and stress-free fastening while maintaining a metallic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the metal-plastic composite can also be bent plastically, which is not possible with plastic alone
Implementation Method 2
the decorative element is designed as a co-extruded part made of metal and plastic
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance component (6) with a decorative part (13) which is arranged as a component that is bent at least once and does not extend in a plane on a base part (7) of the household appliance component (6), wherein the decorative part (13) is designed as a co-extruded part made of metal and plastic.