Dishwasher Base Structure Using Modular Panel-Beam Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher base structures, whether made of metal or plastic, face challenges in assembly complexity, cost, and modifiability, with metal requiring fasteners and plastic necessitating expensive tooling and being difficult to update.
Innovation Solution
A method of assembling a dishwasher base using spaced panels and beams, where the beams' terminal ends are inserted into sockets on the panels, allowing for a combination of plastic and metal components, reducing the need for mechanical fasteners and enabling easy assembly and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal base structures are used, then strength and durability are improved, but assembly complexity increases due to requiring fasteners and brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is divided into multiple panels that are connected through vertical beams, creating a modular segmented design. This segmentation allows the base to be assembled from discrete components without requiring complex fasteners or brackets, as the beams themselves serve as the connecting elements between panels.
Solution Approach 2:
Vertical beams act as intermediary elements between the panels, providing a simplified connection mechanism. Instead of directly fastening panels to each other with multiple brackets and screws, the beams serve as mediators that connect to sockets on adjacent panels, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic base structures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability decreases due to difficulty in modification
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure uses segmented panels connected by beams with standardized sockets. This modular segmentation allows individual panels to be easily removed, added, or reconfigured by simply disconnecting and reconnecting beams at the socket interfaces, providing high adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure employs dynamic, reconfigurable connections through the beam-socket interface system. The beams can be inserted into and removed from sockets at various locations on the panels, allowing the base configuration to be dynamically adjusted and modified without requiring complex tools or processes, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and high adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex plastic tooling is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is constructed from multiple separately manufactured panels and beams that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using simpler, lower-cost processes while maintaining precision through standardized socket interfaces and beam dimensions, eliminating the need for expensive complex plastic tooling while achieving the required manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub defining a treating chamber having an access opening. A closure selectively closes the access opening and a base supports the tub. The base can include a set of spaced panels and a set of spaced beams connecting the set of panels. The base can be formed by inserting the set of spaced beams within the set of spaced panels.