Refrigeration appliance, in particular for household use, comprising a beverage dispensing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration appliances with beverage dispensing devices face difficulties in securely mounting and positioning the actuator element due to its complex positioning and the need for precision, which increases manufacturing costs and discomfort during assembly, often requiring specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a coupling element with a 'ladder-like' shape that facilitates precise and accurate mounting of the actuator element to the refrigeration appliance's structure without the need for specialized tools, allowing for easier assembly and reduced resource waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator element is securely mounted to the structure with high precision, then the beverage dispensing function is reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator element and the structure. This coupling element features a first end with connection means for the actuator element and a second end with connection means for the structure, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure mounting and high precision positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actuator element is positioned with high precision, then the valve operation is accurate, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with pre-formed connection means at its first end for the actuator element and at its second end for the structure. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces enables high precision positioning to be achieved through simple assembly operations rather than complex positioning procedures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator element is mounted from the outside of the structure, then the assembly is accessible, but the visibility and room for operation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into three separate components: the actuator element, the coupling element, and the structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and then assembled together from the outside of the structure, maintaining accessibility while reducing assembly time through modular construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance (1), in particular for household use, comprising a structure (2) with at least one compartment (3, 4) formed therein for food preservation, and a beverage dispensing device (10), said device (10) comprising: - a valve (11) for dispensing said beverage, said valve (11) being located in such a position as to extend through a portion of the structure (2) of the refrigeration appliance (1) and to dispense said beverage outside said structure (2); - an actuator element located outside the refrigeration appliance (1), said actuator element (12) being connected to the structure (2) of the refrigeration appliance (1) and being associated with said valve (11) to actuate it in order to dispense the beverage. The invention is characterized in that said refrigeration appliance (1) comprises a coupling element (20) for connecting the actuator element (12) to the structure (2) of the refrigeration appliance (1).