Attachment part for fastening to a panel element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel attachment systems in cooking appliances face challenges such as limited design freedom, high installation costs, and complex assembly processes due to the need for visible attachments and the use of adhesives with long drying times.

Innovation Solution

A panel attachment system featuring a base body, guiding, and counter-guiding elements that allow for a single-step assembly by moving the fastening element away from the base body and engaging it with the panel element, eliminating the need for adhesives and reducing assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional attachments are fastened to the cover plate carrier using complex fasteners such as screws, locking and bending tabs, snap hooks, or eyelets, then the attachment is securely fastened, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires multiple process steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into two functional parts: a base body and a fastening element. The fastening element can move relative to the base body between a retracted position (for transport) and an extended position (for fastening). This segmentation allows the fastening function to be separated from the mounting structure, enabling simple pressing assembly while maintaining secure fastening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the base body during assembly. When the attachment device is pressed against the cover plate carrier, the fastening element automatically extends from the base body to engage with the cover element, then retracts back into the base body. This dynamic movement transforms a complex multi-step assembly into a single pressing action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If wet adhesive is used for attachment to the cover plate carrier, then the attachment can be applied, but long drying times and high assembly costs result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment applicationVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces chemical adhesive bonding with a mechanical fastening system. The fastening element extends to engage with the cover element through mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for wet adhesive and its associated long drying times. The mechanical engagement provides immediate secure attachment without waiting for chemical curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element performs the fastening function automatically when the attachment device is pressed onto the cover plate carrier. The mechanical engagement occurs self-actuatingly without requiring external adhesive application or drying processes, making the assembly process faster and more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If recessed switch handles are installed on a self-supporting switch panel, then design requirements are met, but additional design elements must be added to cover mounting attachments, necessitating additional process steps such as welding or bonding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidnumber of process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element nests within the base body during transport and storage, then extends outward during assembly to engage with the cover element, and finally retracts back into the base body. This nesting arrangement allows the fastening mechanism to be compact when not in use, eliminating the need for additional design elements to conceal visible attachments, thus maintaining design freedom for recessed switch handles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is pre-positioned within the base body in a retracted state, ready for immediate deployment. When assembly is required, the fastening element extends automatically upon pressing, eliminating the need for additional welding or bonding steps that would be required to conceal attachments in traditional designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4226838A1Attachment part for fastening to a panel element
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4226838A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4226838A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4226838A1 patent drawingFigure 4~9

AI summary

The invention relates to an attachment part (23) for fastening to a diaphragm element (4), comprising a base body (24), a guide and guide counter element (31, 34, 36, 39) and a fastening element (27, 28), which is guided with the aid of the guide and guide counter element (31, 34, 36, 39) in such a way that, when the attachment part (23) is mounted on the diaphragm element (4), it moves away from the base body (24) and engages with the diaphragm element (4) to fasten the attachment part (23) to the diaphragm element (4).