Fixing device for fixing a transport rod in an opening of a laundry care device and for closing the opening and laundry care appliance with a fixing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for transport rods in laundry care appliances are prone to being lost or forgotten after transport, as they are not permanently attached to the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device that is permanently connected to the laundry care appliance, featuring a fixing element and a closing surface device, allowing for secure attachment and closure of the transport rod, with options for rotary or pivoting movement to transition between fixing and locking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transport plug is used to secure a transport rod in an opening of the laundry care device, then the transport rod can be fixed during transport, but the fixing device can be lost or forgotten after transport since it is not permanently attached to the laundry care device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixing device with the laundry care device by permanently attaching it to a component such as the rear wall. This merging ensures the fixing device cannot be lost while maintaining a relatively simple structure through integration rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is designed to perform multiple functions: fixing the transport rod during transport, closing the opening after transport, and preventing loss by permanent attachment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable retention without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If the opening is left open after transport for access, then ease of operation is improved, but child safety and splash water tightness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is designed to be movable between different positions (open and closed states). This dynamic capability allows the opening to be accessible when needed while providing the ability to close and secure it for safety and protection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factor prevention
3Stability of the object's composition
If a transport rod is inserted into an opening for structural support during transport, then stability is improved, but the opening requires a fixing device that may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is pre-installed and permanently attached to the laundry care device before transport. This preliminary action ensures the fixing device is already in position and cannot be lost during or after transport, while still allowing the transport rod to be securely inserted and fixed when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
The approach presented here relates to a fixing device (105) for fixing a transport rod (110) in an opening (115) of a laundry care device (100) and for closing the opening (115). The fixing device (105) comprises at least one laundry care device component (120) and a fixing unit (125). The laundry care device component (120) has the opening (115), which is shaped to accommodate the transport rod (110). The fixing unit (125) is permanently connected to the laundry care device component (120) and is shaped to fix the transport rod (110) inserted into the opening (115) in a fixing position (130) of the fixing unit (125) and to close the opening (115) in a closing position of the fixing unit (125).