Dishwasher Door Locking Structure With Molded Cavity Engagement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for domestic appliances, such as dishwashers, are complex and costly to produce, which complicates their manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A simplified locking device for a dishwasher featuring a closing hook or stem integrated into the housing and/or frame that engages with a molded cavity in the closing element, eliminating the need for openings in the door and preventing water penetration, while ensuring secure and user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional locking devices with separate components (closing plate, opening, closing bolt) are used, then reliable locking function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closing bolt and closing plate into a single integrated closing element that is molded as one piece. The closing element includes both the closing hook (replacing the separate closing bolt) and the engaging section with cavity (replacing the separate closing plate with opening). This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliable locking function through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the opening from the closing element design. Instead of having a separate opening in the closing plate through which the closing bolt engages, the invention uses a molded cavity in the closing element itself that directly receives the closing hook. This extraction of the opening concept and its integration into the molded cavity simplifies the structure by removing unnecessary components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional locking devices with openings and separate components are used, then locking function is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closing bolt and closing plate into a single integrated closing element that is molded as one piece. The closing element includes both the closing hook (replacing the separate closing bolt) and the engaging section with cavity (replacing the separate closing plate with opening). This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliable locking function through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a molded plastic closing element that can be produced cost-effectively through injection molding. This single-piece molded component replaces expensive metal assemblies with multiple parts, reducing production cost while maintaining functional reliability. The molded cavity design allows for efficient mass production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If openings are provided in the door for locking mechanisms, then locking engagement is enabled, but water penetration risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking engagementVSAvoidwater penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the opening from the closing element design. Instead of having a separate opening in the closing plate through which the closing bolt engages, the invention uses a molded cavity in the closing element itself that directly receives the closing hook. This extraction of the opening concept and its integration into the molded cavity simplifies the structure by removing unnecessary components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of openings (water penetration) into a benefit by using the molded cavity design. The cavity is formed as an integral part of the closing element without requiring any openings or holes, thus eliminating the water penetration pathway while maintaining the locking engagement function. The cavity shape itself provides the engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS8377230B2Household appliance comprising a locking device

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a domestic appliance having a device for locking a movable closing element, especially a door, cover, flap, or similar on a household appliance, particularly a dishwasher. The locking device includes a closing hook or closing pin disposed on the housing of the household appliance that engages with an engaging section in the closing element during locking and can be made to disengage therefrom during unlocking. The engaging section is formed by a cavity in the closing element.