Large household appliance with a supporting frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large household appliances with free-standing designs are material-intensive and time-consuming to assemble due to their multi-part housings, leading to high costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped support frame made of composite material, with metal outer layers and a polyurethane middle layer, is used to create a one-piece carrier frame that absorbs all weight forces, eliminating the need for additional framing and reducing component costs, while providing a stylish and lightweight appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a multi-part housing is used for free-standing appliances, then structural integrity is achieved, but material usage increases and assembly time becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple housing parts into a single integrated support frame made of composite material. The U-shaped frame combines side supports, base, and structural elements that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing assembly steps while maintaining strength through the composite material's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is constructed from composite material consisting of at least two different materials, providing high strength-to-weight ratio and structural integrity. This allows the single-piece frame to achieve the mechanical strength of multi-part constructions without requiring additional fasteners or joining operations.
2Strength
If traditional multi-part housing is used, then adequate strength is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple housing functions into a single support frame structure, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. The composite material construction allows this single component to perform the structural functions of multiple traditional parts, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite material enables the single support frame to achieve the required strength and durability without requiring thick metal sections or multiple reinforcing components. The composite construction provides cost-effective strength by utilizing materials with optimal mechanical properties for the specific application requirements.
3Productivity
If a one-piece support frame is used, then assembly time is reduced, but the ability to absorb weight forces may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material construction of the one-piece support frame provides high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio, enabling the single component to absorb and distribute weight forces effectively. The combination of different materials in the composite structure creates synergistic mechanical properties that exceed those of single-material constructions of comparable weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated one-piece frame design combines multiple structural functions into a single continuous structure, eliminating weak points at joints and fasteners. The unified construction allows forces to be distributed throughout the entire frame structure, maintaining load-bearing capacity while simplifying assembly to a single installation operation.
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
The solution results in a cost-effective, simple, and aesthetically pleasing housing structure for large household appliances, reducing material usage and assembly time, and allowing for integration with built-in designs, while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The support frame is made of a composite material. A composite material with outer layers made of a solid material and a plastic layer in between causes an increase in the area moment of inertia, which in particular significantly increases the flexural strength.
Implementation Method 2
A composite material with outer layers made of a solid material and a plastic layer in between causes an increase in the area moment of inertia, which in particular significantly increases the flexural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A large household appliance (10) designed as a floor-standing appliance and comprising a household appliance (12), in particular a cooking appliance, wherein the large household appliance (10) has at least a U-shaped support frame (20) for receiving the household appliance (12).