U-Shaped Flexible Coupling Element for Steam Oven Water Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of steam oven appliances is challenging due to the disconnect between the water reservoir and the liquid port, requiring complex pipework and storage solutions, which complicates the assembly process and can lead to kinks and stagnant water issues.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped coupling element with flexible sections and stiffening ribs is used to connect the liquid port to the liquid receiving entity, allowing for deformation during assembly and automatic restoration to a stable slope, ensuring efficient liquid flow and secure mounting within the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid pipe is used to connect the liquid receiving entity and the liquid port, then the connection is stable, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult when the components are located at different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic flexible hose that can adapt its shape during assembly. The hose can be extended and deformed to reach between components located at different positions, then maintains a stable connection once assembled, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible hose as the coupling element instead of a rigid pipe. This flexible shell allows the connection to adapt to varying spatial arrangements during assembly while maintaining sealing and connection stability during operation, directly addressing the assembly complexity issue.
2Ease of manufacture
If the coupling element is made completely flexible to ease assembly, then assembly is simplified, but the element cannot maintain a stable slope and may form kinks
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element has non-uniform properties: flexible sections for ease of assembly and stiffening ribs in specific areas for slope stability. The stiffening ribs are strategically placed to prevent kinks and maintain the required slope in critical sections while allowing flexibility where needed, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element combines flexible hose material with integrated stiffening ribs to create a composite structure. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed for easy assembly and the rigidity required to maintain stable slope and prevent kinks during operation.
3Reliability
If a complex pipework system is used to connect the reservoir and steam generator, then liquid transport is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling element with integrated stiffening ribs and flexible sections into a single component that replaces a complex multi-part pipework system. This unified structure maintains reliable liquid transport while significantly reducing device complexity and the number of assembly steps.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process by allowing the coupling element to extend and recover into its required shape, reducing manufacturing effort and preventing kinks, ensuring a stable and efficient liquid connection within the steam oven.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling element comprises at least one flexible section and at least one leg portion comprises stiffening means for stiffening the leg portion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance comprising a liquid receiving entity (2) for storing liquid, a liquid port (3) for supplying liquid to the liquid receiving entity (2) and a coupling element (4) adapted to provide a liquid connection between the liquid receiving entity (2) and the liquid port (3), the coupling element (4) comprising a U-shape or essentially a U-shape with a first and a second leg portion (4.1, 4.2) and a curved portion (4.3) connecting the first and the second leg portion (4.1, 4.2), wherein the coupling element (4) comprises at least one flexible section and wherein at least one leg portion (4.1, 4.2) comprises stiffening means (5) for stiffening the leg portion (4.1, 4.2).