Dishwasher Control Module Mounting for Easy Front Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of dishwashers makes it difficult to access and disassemble the electronic control module, complicating its programming during assembly, as it is typically integrated into the assembly base and not easily removable.

Innovation Solution

The electronic control module is supported by a retaining contour on the wash compartment base wall, rather than the assembly base, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly, with elastic support sections and positioning stops for precise location and locking mechanisms for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic control module is integrated into the assembly base, then the structure is compact, but the accessibility and disassembly of the control module becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of electronic control moduleVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control module is separated from the assembly base and positioned on the base wall of the wash compartment. This segmentation allows the control module to be independently accessible while maintaining a compact overall structure. The retaining contour on the base wall provides a dedicated mounting location that is easily accessible from the front of the dishwasher.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining contour acts as an intermediary structure between the base wall and the electronic control module. It provides positioning stops and retention features that secure the module in place while allowing for easy installation and removal. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing both secure mounting and easy accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If positioning stops are provided to ensure correct location, then the positioning precision is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning precision of electronic control moduleVSAvoidAssembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning stops are integrated into the retaining contour structure on the base wall. This merging of positioning and retention functions into a single structure achieves precise positioning without adding separate complex positioning mechanisms. The retaining contour combines multiple functions (retention, positioning, and alignment) in one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design enables easy, tool-free assembly and disassembly of the electronic control module, reducing assembly complexity and allowing for more accessible programming, while maintaining secure positioning during operation.

Implementation Method 1

The supporting section is preferably designed so as to be elastic in order to absorb impact loads, during transportation or during the assembly of the dishwasher, onto the electronic control module.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8978227B2Dishwasher
Publication Date: 2015.03.17 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • US8978227B2 patent drawing
  • US8978227B2 patent drawing
  • US8978227B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dishwasher comprising a wash compartment with a base wall that has a retaining contour, and an electronic control module supported by the retaining contour and which controls appliance components in the dishwasher.