Dishwasher Countertop Structure for Clamping Force Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household appliances, such as dishwashers, face challenges in withstanding clamping forces during transport or stacking without deformation, as existing solutions require multiple components and risk buckling under compressive stress.

Innovation Solution

A table top with strategically positioned attachment points on a household appliance's treatment container, where the distance between fastening points is set to prevent buckling, allowing the table top to be in the path of clamping forces and eliminating the need for additional force transducer elements, with articulation and latching elements for easy assembly and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional force transducer elements are added to transmit clamping forces, then the appliance can withstand transport forces better, but the number of components and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithstand clamping forcesVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table top is merged with the force transmission function by positioning it directly in the clamping force path between the housing side walls and treatment container. This eliminates the need for separate force transducer elements, reducing component count while maintaining structural integrity and force transmission capability during transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The table top serves dual functions: as a functional surface element and as a force transmission element. By designing the table top to directly transmit clamping forces from the housing to the treatment container, it performs both its original purpose and structural load-bearing function, eliminating redundant components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the table top is placed in the path of clamping forces, then additional force transducer elements can be omitted, but the table top may buckle under compressive stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidresist buckling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Reinforcement elements are strategically positioned at critical locations on the table top where compressive stresses from clamping forces are highest. This localized reinforcement provides buckling resistance exactly where needed without adding unnecessary weight or complexity to the entire table top structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The table top is constructed as a composite structure combining the base table top material with integrated reinforcement elements. This composite design provides enhanced compressive strength and buckling resistance while maintaining the overall simplicity and component reduction goals of the invention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If the distance between fastening points is reduced to prevent buckling, then the table top can withstand clamping forces, but the attachment structure becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevent bucklingVSAvoidattachment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening point spacing is optimized to a specific distance that balances buckling prevention with assembly flexibility. This parameter optimization ensures the table top can withstand clamping forces while maintaining practical attachability during assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2262406B1Freestanding domestic appliance
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2262406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2262406B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2262406B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a freestanding domestic appliance, in particular a dishwashing machine, comprising a treatment container (1) and a force absorption element that introduces into the stationary domestic appliance clamping forces (F?) acting externally on the stationary domestic appliance, with a counter top (3) disposed on the top side of said appliance. According to the invention, the counter top (3) and/or the fastener of the counter top (3) to the stationary domestic appliance are designed to constitute the force absorption element into which the clamping forces (F?) can be introduced.