Rod Antenna Mounting Structure for Thermal Expansion in Appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliances with rod antennas in treatment rooms face issues of damage due to improper operation and difficulty in assembly and disassembly, as well as inadequate compensation for thermal expansion differences between components.

Innovation Solution

A household appliance design featuring a stop element that securely holds the rod antenna on the treatment room wall, allowing for unhindered expansion, combined with an insulating part that prevents contact and facilitates assembly/disassembly, using materials like ceramic or plastic with a centering section and fastening mechanism, and optionally attaching the stop element to a heating element for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rod antenna is firmly connected at both front ends to the treatment room wall and mounting bracket, then the rod antenna is securely held and protected from damage, but temperature stresses due to differential thermal expansion cannot be compensated and assembly/disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod antenna securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into separate functional elements: a mounting bracket fixed to the treatment room wall, and a stop element that detachably holds the rod antenna. This segmentation allows the rod antenna to be firmly supported while maintaining detachability for assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element acts as an intermediary component between the treatment room wall and the rod antenna. It provides secure holding through the holding section while allowing controlled movement through the clearance section, mediating between the need for security and the need for thermal expansion compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the rod antenna is held with clearance to allow thermal expansion, then temperature stresses are compensated, but the rod antenna may be damaged by improper operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion compensationVSAvoiddamage from improper operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element is divided into a holding section that provides support and a clearance section that allows thermal expansion. This segmentation enables the structure to accommodate dimensional changes while maintaining protection against damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element functions as a flexible mounting structure that can accommodate thermal expansion through the clearance section while the holding section maintains protective support. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to thermal changes without compromising protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the rod antenna is detachably held on the treatment room wall, then assembly and disassembly is simplified, but the rod antenna may be damaged by improper operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly easeVSAvoiddamage from improper operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable mounting structure is segmented into a holding section for secure attachment and a clearance section for controlled movement. This allows the rod antenna to be easily assembled and disassembled while the holding section provides continuous protection against damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding section of the stop element provides beforehand cushioning by securely holding the rod antenna in position, preventing damage from improper operation during normal use, while still allowing for easy assembly and disassembly when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design enhances protection against damage, simplifies assembly and disassembly, and compensates for thermal expansion, ensuring reliable wireless signal transmission and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the rod antenna or the stop element is surrounded by an insulating part made of an electrical insulating material in the area facing the other part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

the rod antenna can expand unhindered relative to the stop element. This is particularly advantageous in household appliances where there are operating states with higher treatment room temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2037181B1Household device with a treatment area and a rod antenna

Publication Date: 2015.06.10 MIELE & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The home appliance has a treatment room (2), an electric controller (8) and a rod antenna (14) that has an elongated base body. The rod antenna is fixed, in the assembled condition of the home appliance, on a front end of a wall (2.1) of the treatment room by a fixed bearing or clamping. The antenna is connected with clearance in the area of the other front end in radial direction by a stop element fastened on the body of the home appliance. The isolation part is formed as plastic part or a ceramic part, particularly from ferric oxide or aluminum oxide.