One-Piece Plastic Fitting Component for Built-In Refrigerator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in refrigeration appliances face challenges in installation due to complex assembly processes, high costs, and the risk of losing or misplacing fastening components, which increases assembly time and uncertainty for both professionals and laypeople.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece plastic fitting component with integrated fastening elements and a cover cap, featuring ring eyelets and a film hinge, allows for pre-assembled and easy assembly without the need to hold components by hand, reducing the complexity of installation and minimizing the risk of losing fastening elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate fastening components are used, then the fastening function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastening components (base plate, fastening bar, ring eyelet, cover cap) into a single integrated one-piece fitting component made of plastic. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, reduces the number of parts to handle, and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining all necessary fastening functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece fitting component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables fastening through integrated ring eyelets, offers protection via the cover cap, and ensures secure attachment during transport. This multi-functionality in a single component resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts.
2Reliability
If fastening elements are provided separately, then they can be used flexibly, but they are prone to being lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the ring eyelets and cover cap directly onto the base plate as a single molded piece, the invention ensures that fastening elements cannot be lost or misplaced. The cover cap remains permanently attached to protect the ring eyelet, eliminating the risk of separation while maintaining all fastening capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece fitting component is pre-assembled and pre-configured before delivery to the customer. The ring eyelets are pre-positioned and the cover cap is pre-attached, so no separate assembly steps are needed. This preliminary action ensures reliability by preventing loss of components while simplifying the installation process.
3Productivity
If a one-piece fitting component is used, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from assembling multiple metal or plastic parts to manufacturing a single molded plastic component. This parameter change in material and process enables the use of injection molding technology, which can efficiently produce complex one-piece components with integrated features like ring eyelets and cover caps in a single manufacturing step, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
4Loss of time
If accessory components are not pre-assembled, then they can be installed flexibly, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting component is delivered pre-assembled as a complete unit with all necessary elements (base plate, fastening bar, ring eyelet, cover cap) already integrated. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple components, reducing assembly time to a simple attachment step while maintaining the flexibility to install the complete unit in various configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a built-in refrigerator, in particular a built-in domestic refrigerator (20), having a thermally insulated internal container which forms a coolable storage compartment for products which are to be refrigerated, having a door leaf (21) which is intended to close the internal container, and having at least one fitting component (1), in particular for fastening a door front or a furniture front to the door leaf (21), in which the fitting component (1) has at least one holder (6) for an accessory component of the fitting component (1).