Modular Cooking Appliance Assembly Using Snap-In Folding Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing large appliances, such as cooking appliances, is hindered by the need for manual installation of numerous components at awkward angles, leading to repetitive and time-consuming tasks, workplace injuries, and inefficient use of storage and manufacturing space, which decreases throughput and yield.
Innovation Solution
A modular manufacturing approach using prefabricated snap-in, screw-in, or clip-in modules that include discrete device subsystems, allowing for automated assembly and reducing the need for manual labor, while enabling quality control offsite, thus improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing workplace injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation of numerous components is used, then flexibility in component placement is maintained, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is divided into modular components (cooktop module, oven module, base cabinet) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized interfaces that maintain placement flexibility while enabling parallel manufacturing and faster final assembly through module integration rather than individual component installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual installation at awkward angles is required, then component functionality is achieved, but workplace injuries increase and labor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Components are pre-assembled into modules at optimized angles and positions during module manufacturing, rather than requiring final assembly workers to install components at awkward angles. The modular units are prepared in advance with all internal connections made in ergonomic conditions, eliminating the need for difficult manual installation tasks at the assembly line.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-process inventory storage is increased, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but storage space requirements increase and floor space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the appliance into standardized modules, the system reduces the need for large in-process inventory storage. Modules can be manufactured separately and stored in compact configurations, then quickly assembled into final products. This modular approach allows for just-in-time assembly with fewer intermediate storage requirements compared to storing complete partially-assembled appliances.
4Adaptability or versatility
If device complexity is increased with more features, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex functionality is distributed across separate modular components (cooktop module with its features, oven module with its features, control modules). Each module can be independently manufactured with its specific complexity managed separately, then integrated through standardized interfaces. This allows high overall device functionality without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing complexity, as each module follows similar manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for a manufactured cooking appliance. The apparatus, system and method may include: a generic device shell comprising at least a power supplying wire harness and a plurality of female latching points on a top and a front thereof; a folding module comprising a cooktop and, hinged to the cooktop, an oven front comprising at least an oven door fittedly associated with a frame and having a door hinge connected to the over door and passing through the frame; and a plurality of male latches associated with the folding module, including at least one male latch associated with the portion of the door hinge that passes through the frame, each capable of latching into a corresponded one of the plurality of female latching points so as to, upon the latching, form a completed one of the manufactured stove.