Tool-Free Receptacle Fixing for Flexible Appliance Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliance devices lack flexibility and ease of component replacement, making them inflexible for different architectures and topologies, and requiring tools for fixing and removing components.
Innovation Solution
A home appliance device with an insertable base element and a receptacle fixed by a fixing unit featuring offset first and second fixing elements, allowing tool-free attachment and detachment, and potentially integrally implemented with deformable materials for enhanced flexibility and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixing methods are used to attach the receptacle to the base element, then the connection is stable, but the device lacks flexibility and requires tools for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing unit is divided into multiple fixing elements (first fixing element, second fixing element, third fixing element) that are distributed at different positions. Each fixing element independently contributes to the overall fixing strength, allowing the receptacle to be securely attached while enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly through simple pressing motions on individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fixing elements are positioned at specific locations (first, second, and third positions) with potentially different characteristics. The first fixing element may have different properties than the second or third elements, allowing optimization of each position for its specific function while maintaining overall system flexibility and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the receptacle is firmly fixed to the base element, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different architectures and topologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing unit with its multiple fixing elements designed according to the invention serves multiple functions: it provides stable fixation of the receptacle to the base element, enables tool-free assembly and disassembly, and allows adaptation to different architectures and topologies. This universal design resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are designed to transition between different states - engaged for stable fixation and disengaged for easy removal. This dynamic capability allows the same fixing unit to provide both strong stable connection when assembled and easy adaptability when disassembled, resolving the contradiction between stability and architectural flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
For the purpose of improving flexibility a home appliance device, in particular a home appliance chiller device, is proposed. The device includes an insert which is insertable into a storage space, a base element, a receptacle fixable to the base element and a fixing unit for fixing the receptacle and the base element to each other, having a first fixing element and a second fixing element which are arranged offset in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction with respect to each other and which together at least partly encompass the base element and/or the receptacle in a mounted state.