Refrigerator Outer Wall Fastening to Prevent Visible Dents
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of refrigeration appliances often results in unsightly dents on the metal outer walls due to the connection process of the top panel and outer walls, which affects the aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
The fastener head is designed to engage only with the inner section of the outer wall, avoiding contact with the visible outer section, and through-holes are aligned to allow the fastener to pass through without deforming the first section, using a backing part for secure attachment and preventing foam leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fastener (screw) is used to connect the first outer wall to the second outer wall, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the first outer wall becomes dented and aesthetically damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A backing part is introduced as an intermediary component between the first outer wall and the fastener head. The backing part is fastened to the inner section of the first outer wall, allowing the fastener head to engage with the backing part instead of directly with the outer wall, thereby preventing dents while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first section (visible outer surface), the second section (inner structural surface), and the backing part (fastening interface). This segmentation allows the fastener to act on the inner sections without affecting the visible outer surface
2Force
If the fastener head engages the first section of the first outer wall, then the fastening force is improved, but a visible dent is created on the outer wall
Solution Approach 1:
The backing part serves as a mediator that transfers the fastening force from the fastener head to the first outer wall. The force is applied through the backing part's engagement with the inner section, distributing the load without creating concentrated stress points that would cause visible dents on the outer surface
Solution Approach 2:
The backing part is specifically positioned to engage only with the inner section of the first outer wall, creating a localized fastening zone that is structurally functional but visually hidden. This local quality differentiation allows full fastening force application without visible impact on the outer appearance
3Ease of manufacture
If through-holes are created in the first section for the fastener, then the assembly process is simplified, but the first section may be weakened or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The backing part acts as an intermediary that receives the fastener passage through its own opening, which is positioned to align with the through-hole in the first outer wall. This arrangement allows the fastener to pass through the visible first section without requiring direct engagement, minimizing structural impact while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is extracted from the first outer wall and transferred to the backing part. The through-hole in the first section serves only as a passage for the fastener, while the actual fastening action occurs at the backing part, separating the structural integrity requirement from the fastening function
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance (10), in particular a refrigerator, comprising at least one first outer wall (12) formed from deformable material, said wall comprising a first section (14) at one end, said first section being tilted inward toward a second section (16) at an angle of substantially 180°, said wall lying against a backing piece (30) in the area of the second section (16), said backing piece being mostly stiff compared to the first outer wall (12) and being connected to the first outer wall (12) by way of a fastening means (40) having a head (42), said fastening means penetrating three penetration holes (15, 17, 36) in the first section (14), the second section (16) and in the backing piece (30), said penetration holes being at least nearly aligned with one another. Through an arrangement such that the head (42) of the fastening means (40) acts on the second section (16) but not on the first section (14), dents or similar deformations in the first outer wall can be prevented, and thus disruptions in the aesthetic effect.