Two-Part Control Element Head Holder Reduces Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance control elements with one-piece designs face challenges in assembly complexity, increased play during rotary movements, and wobbling issues due to the one-piece operating element head mount, leading to instability and difficulty in guiding the operating element head.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part configuration for the operating element head receptacle, specifically designed as two half-shells that can be non-destructively connected, providing a stable and torsion-resistant structure that reduces play and wobbling, with features like semi-annular rear walls, latching devices, and radially deformable boundaries for secure assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece design of the control element head receptacle is used, then the structure is simpler, but the guidance of the control element head becomes more difficult and play increases during rotary movement
Solution Approach 1:
The control element head receptacle is divided into two separate half-shells that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each half-shell to be individually formed with precise guiding features (such as ribs and grooves) that work in conjunction to guide the control element head, reducing play and improving guidance stability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece design of the control element head receptacle is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but play occurs during rotary and axial movement of the control element head
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into two half-shells that can be manufactured separately using standard molding processes, then assembled together. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while allowing precise fitting surfaces and guiding features to be created on each half-shell, resulting in reduced play and improved movement precision when the control element head rotates or moves axially.
Solution Approach 2:
The two half-shells are designed to nest together with precise interlocking features. The inner half-shell contains the control element head, while the outer half-shell provides additional support and closure. This nested arrangement ensures tight tolerances and minimizes play during operation while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If the control element head receptacle is formed from two parts, then assembly is simplified and play is reduced, but the connection between parts must be secure and stable
Solution Approach 1:
The two half-shells are connected through merging their structural features into a unified assembly. Interlocking ribs, grooves, and joining elements are integrated into both half-shells so that when assembled, they form a stable connection that maintains the structural integrity and strength of the receptacle while allowing for relatively easy assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control element (6, 7) for a household appliance (1), with a cylindrical control element head (9) which is rotatably arranged about a longitudinal axis (A) of the control element (6, 7), and with a hollow control element head receptacle (10) into which the control element head (9) extends at least partially, and which is closed around the longitudinal axis (A), wherein the control element head receptacle (10) is formed from at least two separate parts (10, 11).