Snap Spring Clip Assembly for Radiant Burner Vertical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring clips for coupling electric burner units with support structures in glass-ceramic cooktops often lack vertical support and are difficult to assemble, especially when coupling points are near horizontal alignment, and may not provide a reliable fit.
Innovation Solution
A spring clip design featuring a retention tab, a resiliently deformable retention arm, and a snap tab that allows for snap-in installation and secure retention of the burner unit within the cooktop, with a method for assembling the clip that includes aligning the retention tab with a hole in the burner unit's housing and engaging the snap tab with a receiving aperture in the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional springs are used for coupling burner units with support structures, then the coupling can be achieved, but vertical support is insufficient when coupling points are near horizontal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is divided into distinct functional segments: a retention tab for engaging the burner unit, retention arms with resiliently deformable sections for providing vertical support, and snap tabs for securing to the support structure. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with retention arms providing vertical support while snap tabs enable easy assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention arms incorporate resiliently deformable sections that allow dynamic movement and adjustment. These sections can flex and deform during assembly and operation, enabling the spring clip to adapt to variations in burner and cooktop geometry while maintaining reliable vertical support and contact.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional spring clips are used, then coupling is achieved, but assembly is difficult requiring extension and assembly of hooked ends
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spring clips can be combined with a single burner unit housing, with each clip engaging at different locations. This merging approach simplifies assembly by allowing all clips to be installed simultaneously during burner unit assembly, rather than requiring separate installation steps for each clip.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap tabs are designed to automatically engage with receiving apertures in the support structure during vertical movement of the burner unit, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex assembly procedures. The resilient nature of the snap tabs allows them to self-adjust and secure during the assembly process.
3Reliability
If burner units are mounted with support structures, then heat transfer is enabled, but consistent contact and reliable fit are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable sections in the retention arms allow for parameter changes in terms of flexibility and deformation. These sections can flex to accommodate variations in burner and cooktop geometry while maintaining consistent contact force, ensuring reliable heat transfer across different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention arms function as flexible structural elements that can bend and deform elastically. This flexibility allows them to adapt to geometric variations in the burner unit and support structure while maintaining continuous contact, ensuring consistent heat transfer without requiring precise geometric matching.
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 spring clip provides reliable vertical support and easy assembly, ensuring consistent contact between the burner unit and the cooktop, minimizing vibration and maintaining efficient heat transfer while allowing for variation in burner and cooktop geometry.
Implementation Method 1
The retention arm further defines a resiliently deformable section facilitating movement of the lever toward and away from the retention tab
Implementation Method 2
The retention arm further defines a resiliently deformable section biasing the lever against the side wall
Implementation Method 3
The spring clip further includes a snap tab positioned opposite the retention arm from the retention tab and resiliently deflectable toward and away from the retention tab
Data Source
AI summary
A spring clip for attaching a radiant burner unit to a cooktop includes a retention tab having a portion extending in a first direction and a retention arm defining a lever portion projecting away from the retention tab to an end displaced from the tab in a second direction generally normal to the first direction. The retention arm further defines a resiliently deformable section facilitating movement of the lever toward and away from the retention tab. The spring clip further includes a snap tab positioned opposite the retention arm from the retention tab and resiliently deflectable toward and away from the retention tab.