dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture infiltration into the printed circuit board of a dishwasher's control panel causes malfunctions and corrosion due to high-temperature washing water or steam, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof film and coating layer are applied to the printed circuit board's mounting space within a supporter, combined with a film insert molding method for hermetic adhesion, to prevent moisture ingress and enhance button recognition accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printed circuit board is disposed on the door for easy user access, then the ease of operation is improved, but moisture infiltration causes malfunction and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel assembly is segmented into separate functional components: the door-mounted control panel for user interaction and the printed circuit board housed in a separate waterproof box. This segmentation allows the control panel to remain accessible on the door while the electronic components are protected in a moisture-proof environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof box serves as an intermediary structure between the moisture-prone door environment and the sensitive printed circuit board. This intermediary component provides physical isolation and moisture protection, allowing the control panel to maintain user accessibility while protecting the electronics from corrosion and malfunction.
2Productivity
If high-temperature washing water or steam flows inside the dishwasher, then the washing effectiveness is improved, but moisture penetrates the printed circuit board causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is extracted from the door structure and relocated to a separate waterproof box. This extraction removes the vulnerable electronic component from the harmful moisture and high-temperature environment generated during washing operations, while the control panel remains accessible on the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof box creates a protected, inert environment for the printed circuit board, isolating it from the moisture and steam present during washing operations. This sealed environment prevents moisture penetration and corrosion, allowing high-temperature washing to proceed effectively without damaging the electronics.
3Device complexity
If the printed circuit board is mounted directly in the control panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but moisture can infiltrate and cause corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a spatial dimension by introducing a separate waterproof box structure. Instead of mounting the PCB directly in the control panel (two-dimensional integration), the PCB is housed in a three-dimensional sealed enclosure that provides moisture protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher of the present disclosure includes: a cabinet that forms an outer shape; a tub that is disposed inside the cabinet, forms a washing chamber accommodating a washing target, and has an open front; a door that opens and closes the opened front of the tub; a control panel that is disposed in one side of the door, and has an operation button; a printed circuit board that is disposed inside the control panel, and detects an input for the operation button; a supporter that has a mounting space, which is formed inside, in which the printed circuit board is mounted, and is disposed inside the control panel; a waterproof film that is adhered to one side of the supporter facing the control panel and blocks water inflow into the printed circuit board disposed in the mounting space; and a coating layer filled with a waterproof material, in the mounting space of the supporter on which the printed circuit board is mounted.