Interlocking Identical Cover Pieces for Insulated Cooling Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assembly methods for zero degree cooling compartments in deep freezers and no frost refrigerators require different injection molds for top and bottom covers with varying recess-protrusion forms, leading to increased manufacturing costs, labor, and reduced production efficiency due to the need for distinct parts.
Innovation Solution
An assembly group utilizing two identical interlockable cover pieces with symmetrically arranged female and male tabs on their inner portions, allowing for compatible interlocking without the need for separate molds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different injection molds are used for top cover and bottom cover, then manufacturing precision and proper fit are achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing directional features (male tabs and female tabs) that are asymmetric relative to each other but symmetric in their pairing pattern. Each cover piece has protrusions and recesses that are mirror images, allowing identical pieces to interlock in a specific orientation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise fit through asymmetric interlocking features while using symmetric, identical cover pieces that reduce mold complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interlocking function into separate male and female tab features distributed across identical cover pieces. Instead of requiring different covers with integrated interlocking structures, the segmentation allows each cover to have standardized features that mate with corresponding features on adjacent covers, reducing the need for complex custom molds.
2Manufacturing precision
If different injection molds are used for top cover and bottom cover, then proper fit and function are achieved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing identical cover pieces that can be used in multiple positions and orientations within the insulating assembly. The same mold produces covers that serve equivalent functions at different locations, allowing standardized manufacturing processes and reducing the need for multiple specialized molds, thereby improving production efficiency while maintaining fit accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the design of top and bottom covers into a single identical component type. By combining the functionality of previously distinct covers into one universal design with symmetric interlocking features, the patent enables streamlined manufacturing using fewer mold types, increasing production efficiency without sacrificing the precise fit required for proper assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If different injection molds are used for top cover and bottom cover, then proper fit and function are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing identical cover pieces that can be used in multiple positions and orientations within the insulating assembly. The same mold produces covers that serve equivalent functions at different locations, allowing standardized manufacturing processes and reducing the need for multiple specialized molds, thereby improving production efficiency while maintaining fit accuracy.
4Productivity
If identical cover pieces with symmetric tabs are used, then manufacturing cost and production efficiency improve, but assembly complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing directional features (male tabs and female tabs) that are asymmetric relative to each other but symmetric in their pairing pattern. Each cover piece has protrusions and recesses that are mirror images, allowing identical pieces to interlock in a specific orientation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise fit through asymmetric interlocking features while using symmetric, identical cover pieces that reduce mold complexity.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and enhances production efficiency by allowing for the use of a single type of part, facilitating easier assembly and insulation of zero degree cooling compartments while maintaining effective heat insulation.
Implementation Method 1
assembly group is benefited in no frost refrigerators and deep freezers with an insulating material placed between the cover pieces for basically providing the heat insulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly group (10) comprising two interlockable cover pieces (11). The characteristic of the assembly cover is that said cover pieces (11) are identical and comprise female tabs (12) provided on inner portions (112) in order to allow interlocking through inner portions (112) of said inner pieces (11) and at least one male tab (13) provided symmetrically with respect to female tabs (12) in the vertical axis (y) extending in the vertical direction along the center of the cover piece (11) such that each male tab corresponds to each of said female tabs (12).