Panel for a household appliance and household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines face damage from liquid penetration, which is difficult and costly to prevent due to the complexity and expense of sealing measures, especially in areas with limited space for ultrasonic sealing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating capillary-like elements on the inside of the panel to efficiently drain liquids that enter through openings, using ribs or grooves that facilitate the capillary effect to direct liquids away from sensitive components, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing measures such as ultrasonic welding or additional sealing elements are used to prevent liquid penetration, then protection of electronics is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful liquid from the system by providing drainage paths that lead liquid away from the electronics. Instead of trying to completely seal the panel openings, the solution allows liquid to pass through but directs it into drainage channels that conduct the liquid away from sensitive components, effectively removing the harmful element rather than blocking it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drainage channels as an intermediary structure between the panel openings and the electronics. These channels act as a mediator that receives liquid through the panel but prevents direct contact with the electronics by providing a controlled drainage path, thus protecting the electronics without requiring direct sealing at the opening locations.
2Reliability
If separate sealing elements are added to openings and gaps in the panel, then liquid protection is improved, but production cost and attachment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drainage function directly into the panel structure by integrating drainage channels into the panel body. Instead of adding separate sealing elements as additional components, the solution combines the protective function with the existing panel structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing parts and their associated attachment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure is given multiple functions: it serves both as the front surface of the appliance and as a liquid drainage system. The drainage channels are formed as part of the panel structure itself, allowing the panel to simultaneously provide structural support, define the appliance appearance, and conduct liquid away from electronics, thus eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic welding is used to seal openings, then liquid sealing is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to limited space for sonotrode positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for ultrasonic welding at the panel openings by extracting the sealing function from the opening areas. Instead of attempting to seal the openings where space is limited, the solution allows liquid to pass through but directs it into drainage channels, eliminating the need for difficult-to-position ultrasonic welding at constrained locations.
4Device complexity
If no drainage measures are taken, then device simplicity is maintained, but liquid accumulation occurs and damages components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a porous-like structure in the panel by providing drainage channels that allow liquid to pass through the panel structure. The panel is designed with intentional pathways (drainage channels) that enable liquid permeation from the front surface through to the rear, where liquid can be collected and drained away, preventing accumulation while maintaining structural integrity.
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 allows for effective and inexpensive drainage of liquids, preventing damage to electronics by ensuring liquids are quickly and targetedly removed, even against gravitational force, thus extending the appliance's lifespan and simplifying production.
Implementation Method 1
at least one element acting in the manner of a capillary is provided on the inside of the screen for draining liquid that has reached the inside of the screen
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The diaphragm (1) has an opening (5) for an operating element for operation of a household appliance and/or an electronic circuit. The diaphragm covers a part of the electronic circuit of the household appliance. A capillary-like working element (9) for deriving a liquid reached on an inner side (2) of the diaphragm is provided inside the diaphragm. The capillary-like working element comprises a groove-like recess or a gap (8). The capillary-like working element is monolithically formed by ribs (7) protruding at the inner side.