Height-Adjustable Dishwasher Coupling for Leak-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face issues with complex and unreliable sealing due to the large number of components, leading to potential leaks over time, especially when adjusting the crockery basket's height, which complicates the sealing process and can result in leaks.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable coupling device that connects the feed line and feed pipe, allowing for independent adjustment of the coupling's height relative to both the feed line and pipe, featuring a sliding clutch plate with a circumferential sealing lip that ensures a reliable seal without wearing out, even under frequent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling device with multiple components and complex sealing measures is used to connect the feed line and feed pipe, then the sealing function is initially reliable, but the complexity of the device increases and seals may wear out over time leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single sealing plate that integrates both the sealing lip for the feed line and the seal for the connecting piece. This merging of sealing components reduces the total number of parts while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage at the coupling device, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against the feed line through the sealing lip, seals the connection to the connecting piece, and compensates for positional deviations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device is designed to be height-adjustable to accommodate different crockery basket positions, then the adaptability increases, but the sealing complexity increases and may lead to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a movable sealing plate that can shift position dynamically as the crockery basket is inserted or removed. The sealing plate is designed to move vertically along the feed line while maintaining continuous sealing contact, allowing the device to adapt to different height positions without requiring multiple sealing configurations or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate automatically compensates for positional changes through its own movement capability. When the crockery basket is inserted, the sealing plate shifts position and the sealing lip automatically re-establishes contact with the feed line at the new position, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex multi-position sealing arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing plate is made freely movable to compensate for load-dependent position changes, then the adaptability to different loads improves, but the sealing reliability may deteriorate due to aging processes and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is designed as a flexible element that can deform and conform to the feed line surface. This flexibility allows the sealing lip to maintain reliable contact despite movements and position changes, compensating for wear and aging effects by continuously adapting to the mating surface, thereby maintaining sealing reliability over time while allowing free movement.
4Reliability
If a centering plate and multiple sealing components are used to ensure proper alignment and sealing, then the initial sealing function is reliable, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering function and sealing function into a single integrated sealing plate assembly. The sealing plate includes integrated features that provide both alignment with the feed line and sealing contact, eliminating the need for separate centering plates and multiple sealing components. This reduction in component count directly improves ease of assembly and maintenance while maintaining reliable sealing.
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 solution provides a structurally simple and reliable sealing mechanism that compensates for different loads in the crockery basket, maintaining tightness and reducing wear on seals, while allowing for hydraulically favorable design and easy operation with minimal friction losses.
Implementation Method 1
A circumferential sealing lip is formed on the coupling plate, which, regardless of the position of the coupling plate, encloses the outlet opening of the feed line
Implementation Method 2
The coupling plate can be moved freely between the first and second position when there is no pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
Dishwasher comprises a coupling (30) connecting a feed line (10) and a feed pipe (20). The coupling can be adjusted in height in relation to the feed line or to the feed pipe. Preferred Features: A connecting support (23) and blind supports (21, 22) are arranged on the feed pipe. The coupling has a coupling plate and the feed line has an outlet opening (11) which is closed by the coupling plate.