Dishwasher Basket Coupling With Self-Centering Sealed Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in achieving a secure and sealed coupling between the washware support and the coupling device, requiring precise pre-centering and maintenance of overpressure, which complicates the mounting and sealing process.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher system with a movable connection piece on the washware support and a coupling device featuring a self-locking crank mechanism and membrane sealing, allowing for self-centering and secure sealing without wear, using a coupling mandrel driven by an electric motor or electromagnet, and a membrane for sealing the passage opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple coupling device with sealing hose and pipe socket is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and mounting tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs self-centering automatically during the coupling process. The connection piece is pulled into the coupling device along the axis of the coupling mandrel, and the system self-adjusts to achieve proper alignment without requiring precise pre-centering or external assistance, thereby eliminating the need for high mounting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is made movable relative to its fastening area on the washware support, allowing it to move in the coupling direction. This dynamic capability enables the connection piece to self-align with the coupling device during insertion, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and high mounting tolerance requirements
2Speed
If compressed air is used to move the sealing element, then the coupling speed is improved, but the reliability decreases due to maintenance of overpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (compressed air) with a purely mechanical self-locking crank mechanism. The crank mechanism uses mechanical advantage and dead center positioning to achieve both rapid coupling and automatic locking, eliminating the need for continuous overpressure maintenance and improving reliability while maintaining speed
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking crank mechanism is designed to automatically maintain sealing forces throughout the coupling process and after coupling is complete. The mechanical locking action provides inherent stability and maintains sealing pressure without requiring active control or continuous energy input, thereby improving reliability
3Force
If the entire coupling device is moved by a pneumatic device, then the coupling force is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: the coupling device remains stationary while only the connection piece moves. This segmentation allows the coupling force to be applied locally to the connection piece through the mechanical crank mechanism, achieving high coupling force without requiring complex pneumatic systems to move the entire assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mandrel acts as an intermediary element that transmits the mechanical force from the crank mechanism to the connection piece. This intermediary allows the stationary coupling device to exert controlled force on the movable connection piece, achieving high coupling force with simple device architecture
4Manufacturing precision
If the washware support is fixed with no play, then the coupling precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection piece is designed with movable mounting on the washware support, allowing it to move in the coupling direction. This dynamic capability provides operational flexibility and ease of insertion while the self-centering mechanism ensures high coupling precision is achieved automatically during the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-centering automatically during coupling, eliminating the need for precise pre-positioning or rigid fixed mounting. The movable connection piece self-aligns with the coupling device through the coupling process, providing both ease of operation and high precision without requiring the washware support to be rigidly fixed
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 system ensures a simple, low-tolerance mounting arrangement with reliable sealing forces maintained even after the drive is switched off, providing a compact and efficient sealing solution with reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane which seals the passage opening in the wall of the washing compartment
Implementation Method 2
the membrane is expanded to form a sealing surface, which is located on the inside of the washing chamber in front of the ends of the coupling piece of the coupling device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The dishwasher (1) has a washing area (2) for accommodation of a washing goods carrier (4), and a coupling device (10) for introduction of cleaning- and/or disinfection fluid and/or drying air in a connector (7) arranged in the carrier. A coupler pin and a crank gear are arranged within the coupling device for movement of the connector towards the coupling device. The coupler pin is coupled with the washing goods carrier and is moved by the crank gear. An independent claim is also included for a system with a dishwasher and a washing goods carrier.