Handle assembly and household appliance having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing handles for household appliances, such as refrigerators, require special tools for mounting, increasing transportation costs and packaging volume, as they are typically installed after delivery, which complicates the installation process for users.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a pre-mounted member and retractable element, featuring a handle groove and limiting boss, allowing for easy and reliable installation without special tools, using a fitting mechanism between the limiting boss and handle groove, and an elastic element to secure the handle in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handles are mounted on household appliances before transportation, then the packaging volume increases, but the handling convenience and reliability improve
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into separate components: the handle body and the mounting assembly. This segmentation allows the handle to be transported in a compact state without the mounting components, reducing packaging volume while enabling reliable installation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is pre-prepared with the mounting plate and fastening components, but the actual mounting action is deferred until installation time. The retractable element is pre-positioned in a retracted state, allowing compact packaging while enabling secure mounting when the handle is installed.
2Reliability
If special tools are used for handle mounting, then the installation reliability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed to be self-installing through the interaction of the limiting boss and limiting groove features. The retractable element automatically engages with the limiting groove when the handle is positioned, eliminating the need for special mounting tools while maintaining installation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable element serves as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the connection between the handle and mounting plate. It provides the locking function through its engagement with the limiting groove, replacing the need for complex specialized mounting tools.
3Volume of stationary object
If handles are mounted after transportation to reduce packaging volume, then the packaging efficiency improves, but the installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical fastening system requiring alignment and tool-assisted installation is replaced with a snap-fit mechanism. The limiting boss and limiting groove provide automatic alignment, while the retractable element provides automatic locking through elastic engagement, making installation simple and tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable element changes its physical state between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted state, it allows compact packaging; during installation, it extends to engage the limiting groove, providing automatic locking. This parameter change enables both compact packaging and easy installation.
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
Enables users to install handles conveniently and reliably on household appliances without additional tools, enhancing user experience and reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element connected to the retractable element and configured to push the retractable element towards the handle groove
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly and a household appliance having same. The handle assembly comprises a mounting assembly (10) and a handle (20), the mounting assembly (10) comprises a pre-mounted piece (111) and retractable elements (112), handle grooves (1111) are provided on the pre-mounted piece (111), limiting bosses (21) are provided on the handle (20), and a limiting groove (213) is provided on each limiting boss. The limiting bosses (21) fit with the handle grooves (1111) to realize the mounting of the handle (20), and the retractable elements (112) can extend into the limiting grooves (213) to lock the handle (20), ensuring the high reliability of the mounting of the handle, so that a user can mount the handle on a household appliance without other specialized tools, improving the user experience, and achieving simple and reliable handle mounting.