Retractable Contact Pin for Side-Wall Oven Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connections in household appliances, such as oven sockets and connectors, are difficult to clean, negatively impact the circulating air system, and do not provide a high-quality appearance.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a protruding, longitudinally displaceable contact pin that can be partially inserted for improved cleaning and protection, featuring electrically insulating sleeves and a housing design that secures the pin and prevents water ingress, while maintaining microwave tightness and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sockets or large connectors are used in the rear wall of the cooking space, then electrical connection is achieved, but cleaning becomes difficult and air circulation is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is extracted from the traditional rear wall socket location and repositioned to the side wall of the cooking space. This extraction removes the harmful impact on air circulation patterns while maintaining electrical connection functionality, and the side wall position allows for easier cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is positioned on the side wall rather than the rear wall, changing the spatial dimension of electrical connection access. This dimensional shift allows cleaning tools and air flow to access the cooking space more effectively without being blocked by rear-mounted connectors.
2Strength
If the contact pin is made robust and protruding, then mechanical stress resistance is improved, but the appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pin is designed to be longitudinally displaceable between a rest position (protruding) and an operating position (retracted). In the rest position, it provides robust mechanical protection; when an insert module is inserted, it retracts to maintain a clean, high-quality appearance and proper electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pin is spring-mounted to automatically return to its protruding rest position after being pushed in during insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures the contact pin is ready to receive the insert module and maintains aesthetic appearance during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the contact pin is made fully insertable, then ease of cleaning and mechanical protection are improved, but the complexity of the insulation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into multiple sleeves: a first insulation sleeve that surrounds the contact pin and allows full insertion for cleaning, and a second insulation sleeve that provides additional electrical insulation and defines creepage paths. This segmentation enables the contact pin to be fully insertable while maintaining proper insulation through coordinated multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting element for providing an electrical connection in a processing space of a household appliance, includes a protruding, longitudinally displaceable contact pin configured for displacement between a rest position protruding farther and an operating position protruding less far, wherein the contact pin pushes into the rest position. The connecting element is disposed on a side wall of the processing space, particularly a cooking space. An insert module can be inserted in the processing space of the household appliance and can be operated electrically. The insert module has a mating electrical connection element for contacting the connecting element.