Domestic appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household dishwasher insulation methods, such as using bitumen mats, increase sound emission and are difficult to separate from the dishwasher cavity at the end of their service life, leading to inefficiencies in thermal and acoustic insulation.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece plastic insulation element with adhesive properties is used, which can be mechanically fastened to the dishwasher cavity using a form-fit or frictional mechanism, ensuring constant contact pressure and easy removal without residue, eliminating the need for additional adhesives and simplifying material recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If bitumen mats are bonded to the dishwasher cavity with hot-melt adhesive, then thermal insulation is improved, but acoustic insulation deteriorates and separation at end of service life becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is divided into two separate functional layers: a bitumen mat layer for thermal insulation and an acoustic insulation layer for sound reduction. These layers are applied sequentially with the acoustic layer going over the bitumen mat, allowing each material to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite insulation arrangement combining bitumen mat material and acoustic insulation material in a layered structure. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both thermal insulation (from the bitumen) and acoustic insulation (from the acoustic material) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If insulation arrangement is injected directly onto the absorption area, then additional fastening is omitted, but separation from dishwasher cavity requires increased effort
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation arrangement is designed as a separable modular system where the insulation elements can be removed as a unit from the dishwasher cavity. This segmentation allows for easy installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment during service life through the fastening facility.
Solution Approach 2:
A fastening facility acts as an intermediary mechanism between the insulation arrangement and the dishwasher cavity. This fastening system provides secure mechanical attachment during use but allows for controlled removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between easy installation and easy separation.
3Reliability
If insulation element has adhesive properties for mechanical fastening, then contact pressure is maintained throughout service life, but removal may leave residue or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system uses a spring element that provides dynamic, continuous contact pressure between the insulation element and the dishwasher cavity. This spring-based mechanical fastening maintains reliable bonding throughout service life while allowing for clean removal without residue or damage, as the spring can be detached as a complete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical adhesion (glues or adhesives) with a mechanical fastening system using clips and spring elements. This mechanical approach provides reliable continuous contact pressure during service while enabling complete, non-destructive removal of the insulation element without leaving residue on the dishwasher cavity.
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 provides sustained thermal and acoustic insulation throughout the dishwasher's service life, improving energy efficiency and sound reduction while allowing for easy removal and reuse of materials.
Implementation Method 1
the insulation element with a surface facing the functional container, in particular dishwasher cavity, adheres to the functional container, in particular dishwasher cavity
Implementation Method 2
Bitumen mats of this type have a high heat absorption capacity and conduct the absorbed heat away from the dishwasher cavity
Implementation Method 3
a second insulation element for acoustically insulating the absorption area
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance includes a functional container, an insulation arrangement provided on an outside of the functional container and configured to thermally and/or acoustically insulate the functional container. The insulation arrangement includes a single-piece first insulation element which is made of a plastic material selected such that a surface of the first insulation element in facing relation to the functional container adheres to the functional container and is separable herefrom in a non-destructive manner.