Appliance-Foot Support Assembly for Stable Dishwasher Footing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale serial production of household appliances with varying dimensions, the geometric positioning of front appliance feet is labor-intensive and requires effort to match each variant securely.
Innovation Solution
A separate appliance-foot support with a tensioning element, such as a tension lever, is used to securely mount the appliance foot, allowing for area contact with the base support and increasing foot spacing for stable footing, achieved through a snap-in/clamping connector and U-shaped holding profile for easy assembly and secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for front appliance feet, then secure footing is achieved, but assembly effort increases significantly for different appliance variants
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: the appliance foot, the appliance-foot support, and the base support with backstop. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple engagement, reducing overall assembly effort while maintaining secure footing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning element automatically establishes a pretensioned connection when the appliance-foot support is engaged on the backstop. The system self-adjusts through a guided tilting motion that engages the tensioning element with the backstop, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or additional fastening operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If appliance feet are positioned to provide secure footing, then stability improves, but geometric positioning becomes labor-intensive for variant matching
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance-foot support with its U-shaped holding profile and tensioning element serves multiple functions: it positions the appliance foot, provides secure engagement with the base support, establishes pretension, and guides assembly motion. This universal component works across different appliance variants without requiring variant-specific positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning element is pre-configured with elastic properties that automatically establish the correct pretension when engaged. The backstop is pre-positioned on the base support to define the exact engagement location, eliminating the need for time-consuming geometric matching during assembly.
3Reliability
If a firm connection is established between appliance-foot support and base support, then play-free mounting is achieved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element acts as an intermediary between the appliance-foot support and the base support. It translates the simple engagement motion into a firm, pretensioned connection, mediating between the simple U-shaped profile and the required connection firmness without adding structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning element utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. By allowing controlled elastic stretching during engagement, the system transforms a simple geometric engagement into a firm, pretensioned connection that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures play-free mounting.
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 reduces assembly effort and ensures a secure, stable footing for household appliances by providing a firm, play-free connection between the appliance-foot support and base support, allowing for efficient force transmission and easy detachment for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The tensioning element can be elastically stretched when the appliance-foot support is in its mounted condition for producing the tensile force
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance, in particular a dish-rinsing or dish-washing machine, with a base support onto which the appliance unit is mounted and which is supported on a floor by means of appliance feet. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a least one appliance-foot support, which is connected to the base support by means of a tension element, is provided for the base support.