Cabinet Lead-Through Assembly for Fast Multi-Conduit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing conduits for dishwashers in kitchen cabinets are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring separate openings for water, wastewater, and electricity, and are prone to issues with pressure surges affecting the water tube's stability.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet lead-through system that can be easily snapped into place without screws, nails, or adhesive, using a standardized hole cutter, with adaptable parts for different conduit sizes and materials, and a cover for secure sealing and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate openings are made for water inlet, wastewater outlet, and electrical cable in kitchen cabinets, then each conduit can be individually installed, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate conduit openings (water inlet, wastewater outlet, electrical cable) into a single integrated lead-through component. This merging of multiple functions into one unified structure allows all conduits to be installed simultaneously through a single opening, eliminating the need to make and install through multiple separate openings, thereby significantly reducing installation time and complexity
2Reliability
If the water tube is exposed to pressure surges from intermittent water feed, then the tube tends to move, but traditional fixed installations cannot accommodate this movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible membrane or diaphragm within the lead-through structure that allows the water tube to move dynamically in response to pressure surges. This dynamic element absorbs the movement caused by intermittent water feed while maintaining the sealed connection, preventing the tube from dislodging or leaking while accommodating normal operational movements
3Ease of operation
If a snap function is used to fix the lead-through to the cabinet without screws, nails, or adhesive, then installation becomes simpler and faster, but the mounting mechanism must be sufficiently secure
Solution Approach 1:
The lead-through is divided into multiple functional segments including a body portion, a mounting flange with snap features, and a sealing element. The snap function is implemented as discrete engagement elements (such as clips or lugs) that snap into corresponding recesses or slots in the cabinet, providing secure mechanical attachment without requiring screws, nails, or adhesive while maintaining ease of installation and removal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a lead-through, especially a cabinet lead-through used in connection with dishwashers. The lead-through has two parts, a body and a cover. Both the body and the cover have part openings forming cylindrical openings when the cover is received on the body. The cylindrical openings formed may e.g. receive tubes for water and wastewater and an electric cable.