A stacking apparatus and household appliances pair using the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stacking apparatuses for household appliances complicate the mounting process, requiring balanced lifting and alignment, and are not suitable for appliances without specific features, leading to user discontent and increased need for service personnel.

Innovation Solution

A stacking apparatus with freely rotatable first and second attachment members, mounted on the lower and upper household appliances respectively, allowing for easy alignment and secure connection without restricting motion, using a hinge pin or adhesive tape for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional stacking apparatuses with fixed attachment members are used, then household appliances can be stacked on top of each other, but the mounting process becomes complicated requiring balanced lifting and alignment operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting processVSAvoidalignment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment members are designed to be freely rotatable about a hinge pin, transforming the static fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the top appliance to be placed without precise alignment, as the rotatable members can adapt to positional variations automatically during the stacking operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge pin acts as an intermediary element between the first and second attachment members, enabling relative rotation while maintaining the connection. This intermediary mechanism facilitates the mounting process by allowing the attachment members to adjust their relative positions without requiring complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed attachment members are used for stacking, then structural stability is achieved, but additional guiding members are needed to facilitate proper alignment during mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacking stabilityVSAvoidguiding members
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable attachment members provide dynamic adjustment capability that eliminates the need for static guiding members. The freedom of rotation allows the members to self-align during the stacking process, achieving both stability and simplicity without requiring additional guiding components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional stacking apparatuses are used, then household appliances can be attached, but the process increases the demand for service personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidservice personnel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable attachment members enable the stacking operation to be performed without specialized service personnel. The self-adjusting nature of the rotatable members allows users to complete the stacking themselves by simply placing the top appliance, eliminating the need for professional installation while maintaining reliable attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If fixed attachment members requiring precise alignment are used, then secure connection is achieved, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The freely rotatable attachment members eliminate the time-consuming alignment process. The rotatable design allows the members to automatically find their correct position as the top appliance is placed, reducing mounting time while maintaining secure connection strength through the hinged joint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates rapid and practical stacking of household appliances by simplifying the mounting process, eliminating the need for additional guiding members and avoiding damage or deformation, while being adaptable to various appliance designs.

Implementation Method 1

a first attachment member (2) and a second attachment member (3) hinged to each other so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The second attachment member (3) is fixed on the bottom household appliance (103) by being adhered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3577268B1A stacking apparatus and household appliances pair using the same
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3577268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3577268B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3577268B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a stacking apparatus (1) used to securely attach each other two household appliances (102, 103) placed on top of each other, comprising a first attachment member (2) mounted on the top household appliance (102), and a second attachment member (3) mounted on the bottom household appliance (103).