Component of a domestic appliance comprising micro-indentations, pressing tool and manufacturing method for the component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing components in domestic appliances made from sheet metal face a challenge in achieving a balance between stiffness and surface flatness, particularly when subjected to high temperatures, as large embossments and bent structures are necessary for stiffness but compromise surface smoothness and ease of cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a regular arrangement of micro-indentations on the sheet metal surface, with each indentation being at least 40% of the sheet metal thickness and dimensions not exceeding ten times the thickness, which enhances stiffness without visible macroscopic deformations, allowing for a smoother surface and potentially reducing overall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If large embossments and bent structures are used to increase stiffness, then the component maintains structural integrity under stress, but the surface becomes non-flat and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous embossed structure into discrete micro-indentations distributed across the surface. Instead of one large embossment, numerous small indentations (each ≤1cm in dimension) are arranged regularly throughout the component, segmenting the stiffness-providing function into many small units that collectively maintain rigidity while preserving overall surface flatness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies micro-indentations with specific dimensional constraints (depth ≥40% of sheet thickness, dimensions ≤10× thickness) to local regions where stiffness is needed. The indentations are arranged in regular patterns in specific areas rather than uniformly across the entire component, allowing local reinforcement without global surface deformation
2Loss of substance
If the component thickness is reduced to save material and cost, then material usage and costs decrease, but the component becomes less stiff and more prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the micro-indentations (depth ≥40% of sheet thickness, dimensions ≤10× thickness) to optimize the stiffness-to-material-ratio. By carefully controlling these parameters, the component achieves sufficient stiffness with reduced thickness, as the micro-indentations provide structural reinforcement without requiring proportional increases in material volume
3Strength
If conventional embossed structures are used for stiffness, then structural integrity is maintained, but the deep-drawing radius increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from macroscopic embossed structures (millimeter to centimeter scale) to microscopic indentations (sub-millimeter scale, ≤1cm). This dimensional change allows the stiffness function to be achieved at a smaller scale, reducing the deep-drawing radius requirements and simplifying the forming tool design while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A component (10) of a domestic appliance, wherein a sheet metal part (12) of the component (10) is formed from a sheet metal (11); characterized in that a regular arrangement of micro-indentations (14) is provided on at least one sheet metal surface (12s1, 12s2) of the sheet metal part (12), each micro-indentation (14) having a depth (d) perpendicular to the sheet metal surface (12s1, 12s2) of not less than 40% of a sheet metal thickness (t) of the sheet metal part (12) and preferably having dimensions (l, w) along the sheet metal surface (12s1, 12s2) of not more than twice the sheet metal thickness (t), more preferably of not more than once the sheet metal thickness (t).