Snap-Fit Lid Structure for Tool-Free Assembly and Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional assembling process for lid structures in electrical devices, such as washing machines, is complex and costly due to the need for glue or adhesive tape, which increases costs and complicates the process, and makes disassembly difficult and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A lid structure with a U-shaped frame body and guiding groove allows the lid plate to be inserted or pulled out without adhesive, using external force to enlarge the opening for assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for glue or tape and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glue or adhesive tape is used to assemble the lid plate to the frame body, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembling process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (glue or adhesive tape) with a mechanical fastening system. The lid plate is retained on the frame body through a mechanical structure involving a retaining groove and retaining protrusion, which provides connection strength without requiring adhesive materials or complex coating processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection function into separate structural elements: the retaining groove formed on the frame body and the retaining protrusion formed on the lid plate. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and simplifies the assembling process by eliminating the need for adhesive application and drying time.
2Strength
If glue or adhesive tape is used to assemble the lid plate to the frame body, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembling cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for adhesive materials (glue or tape) by using a mechanical retention system. This substitution reduces material costs and eliminates the labor costs associated with applying and curing adhesives, thereby reducing the overall assembling cost while maintaining connection strength through the retaining groove and protrusion mechanism.
3Strength
If glue or adhesive tape is used to assemble the lid plate to the frame body, then the connection strength is improved, but the disassembly becomes difficult and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces irreversible chemical bonding with reversible mechanical fastening. The retaining protrusion fits into the retaining groove, providing strong connection during operation, but allowing for easy disassembly by simply removing the lid plate from the groove without requiring forceful separation that could cause damage to either component.
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
This solution reduces assembly costs, simplifies the process, and facilitates easy replacement of components, reducing waste and potential damage during disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the frame body is made of a plastic material to allow the first opening to be enlarged from a first position to a second position under an action of an external force
Data Source
AI summary
A lid structure includes a frame body and a lid plate. The frame body includes a window, an opening, and a guiding groove. The frame body is configured to allow the lid plate to be inserted into or pulled out from the guiding groove through the opening. The window is covered by the lid plate in a state in which the lid plate is inserted in the guiding groove.