dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for aligning the decorative front panel of integrated appliances, such as dishwashers, with adjacent furniture panels are cumbersome and require manual handling, making the installation process laborious and often requiring assistance, especially in limited spaces like kitchen corners.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system for the dishwasher that includes a support member, a sliding member, and a regulation group with a rotatable screw, allowing for easy sliding and adjustment of the decorative front panel without manual lifting, using a snap-fit mechanism for panel pins and a U-shaped support member for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual lifting and hand-holding methods are used to align the decorative front panel, then the panel can be positioned, but the installation process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing adjustment mechanisms that allow the decorative front panel to be pre-positioned and adjusted before final fixation. The panel can be slidably moved along the door panel using the adjustment mechanisms to achieve proper alignment with furniture panels, and this adjusted position is then maintained during screwing operations, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding throughout the installation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual lifting and hand-holding methods are used to align the decorative front panel, then the panel can be positioned, but the installation process requires assistance from multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing adjustment mechanisms that enable a single operator to independently adjust and position the decorative front panel without requiring assistance from other operators. The mechanisms allow one person to slide the panel into position, make alignment adjustments, and secure it to the door panel autonomously, significantly improving installation ease.
3Area of stationary object
If the dishwasher is installed in a corner with limited space, then space utilization is improved, but the freedom of movement for operators is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by providing adjustment mechanisms that allow the decorative front panel to be positioned and aligned along multiple dimensions (vertical and horizontal sliding directions) without requiring operators to physically maneuver around the appliance. The mechanisms translate rotational movements of adjustment elements into precise positional adjustments of the panel, enabling accurate alignment even when operator access is limited by corner installation constraints.
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
Facilitates fast and easy installation and regulation of the decorative front panel, eliminating the need for manual handling and assistance, and is suitable for installation in tight spaces like kitchen corners.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding member (210) coupled to the decorative front panel (140) and slidably coupled to the support member (205) for sliding with respect and parallel thereto
Implementation Method 2
a regulation group (215) comprising a rotatable regulation member (219) and a conversion member (217) coupled to the regulation member (219) and to the sliding member (210) for converting a rotation of the regulation member (219) into said sliding of the sliding member (210)
Implementation Method 3
the sliding member (210) comprises an engaging element (210SF) for engaging a respective panel pin (145) of the decorative front panel (140), wherein the engaging element (210SF) is a snap-fit element for the snap-fit engagement of said panel pin (145)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A dishwasher (100) comprising: a frame (112) defining a treatment chamber (115) for items to be washed, a door (122,126,127) for selectively accessing the treatment chamber (115), the door (122,126,127) comprising a door panel (126), at least one coupling system (200) for coupling a decorative front panel (140', 140") to the door panel (126), the at least one coupling system (200) comprising: - a support member (205) coupled to the door panel (126), - a sliding member (210) coupled to the decorative front panel (140', 140") and slidably coupled to the support member (205) for sliding with respect and parallel thereto, such that the sliding of the sliding member (210) with respect to the support member (205) causes the sliding of the decorative front panel (140', 140") with respect to the door panel (126), and - a regulation group (215) comprising a rotatable regulation member (219) that can be rotated by a user, and a conversion member (217) coupled to the regulation member (219) and to the sliding member (210) for converting a rotation of the regulation member (219) into said sliding of the sliding member (210).