Dishwasher Base Structure Using Modular Panels and Beam Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contemporary automatic dishwashers face challenges with base structures, particularly those made of metal requiring complex and expensive fasteners for assembly, and those made of plastic requiring costly tooling and being difficult to modify as the product line evolves.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher base design featuring spaced panels connected by metal beams with terminal ends that fit into sockets, allowing for easy assembly without mechanical fasteners and enabling the use of plastic panels for versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal base structures are used, then strength and durability are improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring fasteners such as screws and brackets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase structure strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is divided into multiple panels that can be assembled together using the beam connection system, allowing the strong metal structure to be built from modular components rather than requiring complex fastening of large metal pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam connection system acts as an intermediary between panels, providing a simplified mechanical interface that replaces multiple fasteners with a single integrated connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If plastic base structures are used, then manufacturing cost and tooling expense are reduced, but adaptability and ease of modification decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidease of modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base is segmented into panels and beams that can be independently manufactured and then assembled, allowing plastic panels to be produced cost-effectively while the modular assembly enables easy modification by replacing individual panels or beams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure transitions from a fixed, monolithic design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where panels can be added, removed, or replaced based on product line updates without requiring complete base replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If complex fastening systems are used in metal bases, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex fastening system is extracted and replaced with a simplified beam connection mechanism that maintains structural integrity through a different mechanical approach, significantly reducing assembly steps and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3345528B1Dishwasher base structure

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 WHIRLPOOL CORP

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AI summary

A dishwasher (10) with a tub (14) defining a treating chamber (16) having an access opening (17). A closure (18) selectively closes the access opening (17) and a base (100) supports the tub (14). The base (100) can include a set of spaced panels (110) and a set of spaced beams (120) connecting the set of panels (110). The base (100) can be formed by inserting the set of spaced beams (120) within the set of spaced panels (110).