Built-In Dishwasher With Expandable Coupling for Dual-Access Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers either face issues with soiling around the machine due to front loading or difficulty in loading dishes due to deep vertical depth in top loading, and there is a need for a dish washer that can be integrated into kitchens with varying heights.
Innovation Solution
A dish washer design featuring a coupling member that allows for both front and top loading, with a coupling member that expands or contracts vertically to adjust the gap between the cover frame and the tub, enabling both front and top door usage and accommodating different counter thicknesses, and includes a handle for easy top door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a front loading type dish washer is used, then it is easy to load dishes onto the basket, but it sheds soiling around the dish washer
Solution Approach 1:
The dish washer is divided into two separate loading openings: a front opening for easy dish loading and a top opening for sealing. The basket is segmented to be accessible from the front while the top opening provides a sealed cover to prevent soiling.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover frame with a cover acts as an intermediary between the top opening and the interior space. This cover can be opened or closed to seal the top opening, preventing soiling from entering while allowing access when needed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a top loading type dish washer is used, then it prevents soiling around the dish washer, but it makes it difficult to load dishes onto the basket due to deep vertical depth
Solution Approach 1:
The loading function is segmented between two openings: the top opening provides sealing capability while the front opening provides easy access for loading dishes. The basket structure is designed to be accessible from the front opening.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on vertical depth for loading (top loading), the invention adds a horizontal dimension by providing a front opening. This allows dishes to be loaded from the front at a more convenient height, while the top opening maintains its sealing function.
3Device complexity
If the cover frame and tub are fixed at a constant distance, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate kitchens with varying counter heights
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to be expandable and contractible, allowing the distance between the cover frame and tub to dynamically adjust. This enables the dish washer to adapt to different counter heights in various kitchen installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the coupling member (its length) is made changeable. The coupling member can be extended or contracted to match the specific distance required for different kitchen configurations, providing versatility 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
The design provides a wider washing space, allows for easy loading and unloading from both sides, and ensures compatibility with kitchens of varying heights, enhancing usability and cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling member may include an elastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a dish washer having an enhanced structure for usability. A dish washer may be installed in a built-in type in a system kitchen including a cabinet having a storage room and a counter arranged on the cabinet to have an opening. The dish washer includes a tub having a front opening, a front door provided to open or close the front opening, a cover frame mounted on the opening of the counter to be separated from the tub in a vertical direction of the dish washer, a top door installed on the cover frame to open or close the opening of the counter, and a coupling member coupling the cover frame to the tub to be expanded or contracted in the vertical direction of the dish washer.