Carrier device with specifically coupled adapter part, and method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for household refrigeration appliances have difficult snap connections that are hard to release, leading to user inconvenience and potential damage during assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with an adapter part featuring elastically deformable snap elements that engage the support plate from multiple sides, allowing for a non-destructive, easy release and secure attachment, reducing the force required for detachment and minimizing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid snap elements are used for attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but release becomes difficult and force required for detachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The snap elements are designed to be elastically deformable rather than rigid, changing the mechanical property parameter from rigid to elastic. This allows the snap elements to deform during attachment and release, providing secure connection during use while enabling easy detachment when force is applied, thus resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The snap connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic connection. The elastically deformable snap elements can dynamically adjust their shape during attachment and release processes, allowing the system to be secure during operation but easily releasable when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and easy release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If strong snap connection is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but wear and damage to contact surfaces increases during repeated assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsurface wear and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Changing the snap elements from rigid to elastically deformable allows them to absorb mechanical stress through elastic deformation rather than transmitting it to the contact surfaces. This maintains secure attachment while significantly reducing wear and damage to the support plate and adapter part during repeated assembly and disassembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically deformable snap elements act as cushioning elements that absorb and distribute mechanical stresses before they can cause damage to the contact surfaces. This beforehand cushioning effect protects the support plate and adapter part from wear and damage during repeated assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple snap connections are used, then stability and positioning precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidsnap connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple snap connections are integrated into a single adapter part that attaches to the support plate simultaneously at multiple points. This merging of multiple connection functions into one component achieves stable positioning and precise positioning without significantly increasing device complexity, as the multiple snap connections work together as an integrated system rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 user-friendly, stable, and durable attachment that prevents unwanted movement of the adapter, ensuring precise positioning and reducing damage to contact surfaces, while allowing easy assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The adapter part has at least one elastically deformable snap element, which is reversibly detachably coupled to at least one counter-snap element of the support plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4696963A1Carrier device with specifically coupled adapter part, and method
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4696963A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696963A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4696963A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a support device (30) for a household refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a support plate (31) and at least one separate adapter part (36, 37) which can be attached to the support plate (31) by at least one snap connection, wherein the adapter part (36, 37) is designed as a support and/or guide device for an additional component (8", 9), wherein the adapter part (36, 37) has a gripping part (38) and grips an edge (32a, 32b) of the support plate (31) with the gripping part (38) and the gripping part (38) is snapped to the support plate (31) by at least one snap connection, characterized in that the adapter part (36, 37) has at least one elastically deformable snap element (45, 46) which is reversibly detachably coupled to at least one counter snap element (51, 52) of the support plate (31). One aspect concerns a procedure.