Solenoid Valve Shell Assembly for Faster Refrigerator Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solenoid valves in refrigeration appliances is laborious and expensive due to the need for mechanical fixation, soldering of pipe connections, and electrical connections, which can lead to errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A shell with latching contours and elastic snap-in hooks is used to simplify the installation process by protecting cables and eliminating the need for strain relief, allowing for secure latching and electrical contact outside the appliance housing, and preassembling cables to prevent mix-ups during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solenoid valve installation methods are used (mechanical fixation, soldering, electrical connections), then reliable valve operation is achieved, but installation effort and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solenoid valve, cable, and connector into a single pre-assembled unit. The cable is permanently attached to the connector, and the solenoid valve is integrated with both components, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fixation, soldering, and electrical connection steps during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve, cable, and connector are pre-assembled into a complete unit before installation. All necessary connections (mechanical and electrical) are established in advance during manufacturing, so that during installation only the complete unit needs to be mounted without any additional connection work.
2Reliability
If strain relief is added to protect cables from accidental pulling, then cable damage is prevented, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is permanently integrated with the connector as a single pre-assembled unit. The cable is molded or otherwise permanently attached to the connector body, eliminating the need for separate strain relief components and their associated installation steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for solenoid valve installation, then flexibility in assembly is maintained, but installation time and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve, cable, and connector are pre-assembled into a complete unit during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly ensures all components are correctly configured and connected, so that during installation only the complete unit needs to be mounted as a single operation, reducing both time and error potential.
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 installation effort and costs by ensuring secure latching and protection of cables, preventing errors during electrical connections, and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment of solenoid valves.
Implementation Method 1
which uses at least one solenoid valve to control the flow of refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
The shell preferably has at least one elastic snap-in hook which acts on the solenoid valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A refrigerator comprises at least one first magnetic valve (11) which is fixed to a housing (1) of the refrigerator and is connected to electric connections (43) of the housing (1) via a first cable (20). A shell (10; 46) covers the magnetic valve (11) and the cable (20).