A device for a household cooling appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic refrigeration appliances face challenges in reliability and securing heating elements effectively, leading to potential icing issues and instability.
Innovation Solution
A domestic refrigeration appliance with a frame unit featuring a partial frame element having significantly different cross-sectional shapes along its main extension direction, incorporating a groove for securing a heating element that counters icing and provides stability, utilizing thermoplastic materials and elastic components for secure and cost-neutral design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is provided in a frame part element for receiving a heating element, then the heating element can be secured in place, but the heating element may still become dislodged or shift position leading to icing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The groove cross-section is designed with non-circular geometry featuring flat sides and rounded corners that match the heating element shape, creating localized contact areas that prevent shifting. This local geometric optimization ensures the heating element remains securely positioned without requiring additional fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove cross-section employs asymmetric geometry with flat sides on opposite edges and rounded corners, creating a shape that is not radially symmetric. This asymmetric design prevents the circular or rectangular heating element from rotating or shifting within the groove, thereby maintaining stable positioning and preventing icing issues.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to secure the heating element, then positioning reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is merged with the frame part element itself, eliminating the need for separate securing components. The groove is directly formed as an integral feature of the frame unit through injection molding, combining the structural support and heating element retention functions into a single component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the heating element, secures the heating element in position through its non-circular cross-section, and prevents both radial and axial displacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a non-circular groove cross-section is used, then heating element positioning stability improves, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove cross-sectional geometry is optimized by changing parameters such as the radius of rounded corners and the width of flat sides to achieve stable heating element positioning. These parameter adjustments are made within the capabilities of standard injection molding processes, ensuring manufacturability while achieving the desired positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is formed as an integral feature of the frame unit using standard injection molding techniques, avoiding the need for complex secondary operations or additional tooling. The design accepts moderate manufacturing complexity in exchange for eliminating the need for separate securing components, resulting in overall cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture.
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
Enhances reliability and stability by securely holding the heating element in place, preventing icing, and ensuring efficient operation without additional components, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one essentially elongate heating element, which is arranged on and preferably in the groove and is intended to counteract icing of the frame unit
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a home appliance device, in particular a home freezer device, comprising a frame unit (12a, 12b) which is provided for at least partially delimiting an access opening (14a, 14b) and which includes at least one frame sub-element (16a, 16b) that has at least one groove (20a, 20b) extending at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension (18a, 18b) of the frame sub-element (16a, 16b). In order to provide a generic device having improved reliability properties, the frame sub-element (16a, 16b) has at least two significantly different cross-sectional shapes (24a, 24b, 26a, 26b) in a section (22a, 22b) thereof.