Integrally formed thread lock retention feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliance designs lack an efficient method to securely attach electrical components, such as capacitors, to the appliance substrate, leading to potential instability and increased risk of electrical issues during use, transport, and storage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a thread-lock receiver within the appliance substrate, featuring outwardly biased retaining flanges coupled via living hinges, which engage a threaded stud upon rotation, providing a secure and stable attachment mechanism for electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used for electrical components, then the attachment structure is simple, but the retention stability and electrical safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into multiple functional components: retaining flanges for mechanical retention, thread-engaging surfaces for threaded fastening, and integrated molding features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, achieving both high reliability and manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple attachment mechanisms (retaining flanges, thread engagement, and molding integration) into a single integrated receiver structure. This combining approach provides multi-mode retention (mechanical + threaded) within one component, enhancing reliability without requiring separate attachment devices
2Ease of manufacture
If internal recesses and lifters are included in the mold, then the molding process can accommodate complex features, but the molding process complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the attachment features (retaining flanges and thread-engaging surfaces) to the outer perimeter of the receiver, eliminating the need for internal recesses in the mold. This extraction allows the mold to be simpler while still producing complex functional features on the molded part
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating internal recesses to form attachment features, the invention inverts the approach by forming protruding retaining flanges and thread-engaging surfaces on the outer perimeter. This inversion simplifies the mold design while achieving the same functional result
3Reliability
If electrical components are not securely attached, then the attachment mechanism is simple, but the risk of electrical issues and instability during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is designed with integrated features that automatically form the retaining flanges and thread-engaging surfaces during the molding process. This preliminary action ensures that the attachment structure is pre-configured for secure retention, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps while maintaining electrical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated receiver structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention through retaining flanges, threaded fastening through thread-engaging surfaces, and structural support. This self-service approach achieves high reliability without requiring complex external attachment mechanisms
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 ensures the secure retention of electrical components during manufacturing, transport, storage, and use, while also simplifying the molding process by eliminating the need for internal recesses and lifters in the mold, resulting in a more efficient assembly and reduced risk of electrical faults.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining flange is coupled to the basement housing via a living hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a basement housing comprising a capacitor receiver. A capacitor is disposed within the capacitor receiver to define a secured position. The capacitor receiver includes at least one retaining flange that is coupled to the basement housing via a living hinge. At least one retaining flange is outwardly biased away from a body of the capacitor when the capacitor is placed in an inserted position. At least one retaining flange includes a thread-engaging surface that operates to the secured position upon rotation of the capacitor in the inserted position.