Pump Housing Locking Hook with Spring Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump designs for dishwashers and washing machines lack a reliable and easily releasable latching connection between housing parts, which complicates maintenance and repair by risking accidental disconnection during operation.
Innovation Solution
A latching device featuring an elongate latching hook with a snap-in projection and insertion bevels on both sides, combined with a securing tab and insertion web, ensures secure engagement and prevents accidental release, utilizing elastic components for noise insulation and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple snap-fit connection is used between housing parts, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability against accidental disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is designed with a spring element that exerts a preliminary counteracting force against the locking hook. When the locking hook is inserted, the spring element is compressed and stores energy. This stored energy creates a preliminary anti-action force that prevents the locking connection from disengaging accidentally, while still allowing intentional release when force is applied to the release element.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one with controlled movement. The spring element allows the locking tab to move dynamically in response to insertion and release forces. The release element provides a controlled dynamic action to overcome the spring force and disengage the locking connection intentionally, distinguishing between accidental vibrations and deliberate release attempts.
2Reliability
If a secure locking connection is designed to prevent accidental release, then reliability is improved, but ease of release for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking hook for engagement, the locking tab with spring element for secure holding, and a separate release element for intentional disengagement. This segmentation allows the locking function to be optimized for reliability while the release function is optimized for ease of maintenance, as operators can simply press the dedicated release element without needing to manipulate the entire locking mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the locking hook is designed with insertion ramps for easy insertion, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook is designed with local quality variations: the insertion end features ramps for easy engagement, while the body of the hook maintains sufficient thickness and structural integrity. The spring element is localized to the locking tab rather than the entire hook, concentrating the elastic deformation where needed while preserving the strength of the locking hook's main structure. This localized approach allows easy insertion without compromising overall structural strength.
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
The solution provides a secure, easily establishable, and reliably maintainable latching connection that prevents accidental disconnection, ensuring the pump's housing parts remain securely attached during operation and simplifies maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The locking tab, with its spring-like design on or near the underside of the locking hook, serves to prevent the locking connection—from the locking protrusion moving away from the locking tab—from disengaging unintentionally. In such a case, the underside of the locking hook would press against the free end of the tab, and the spring force of the locking tab counteracts this.
Implementation Method 2
A locking tab is provided, which engages or runs within the detent opening from the side, in particular on one of the aforementioned side walls. Its free end projects into the path of the detent hook when it is inserted into the detent opening.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The latching device (16) has an elongated latching hook (19) with a latching projection (20). A latching opening (30) for outwardly bounding snap tab (31) is formed in the housing portion (14), and the latching projection is provided on latching opening. One introduction bar (36) with an insertion bevel (37) for the latching hook is arranged in the underside of latching opening. Two latching tabs (40) are engaged into latching opening and provided with a free tab end projected into the path of latching hook when inserted into the latching opening. An independent claim is included for pump.