Dishwasher Door Push-Open Mechanism for Controlled Ajar Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic warewashing machines with door-mounted latching mechanisms face issues such as limited space for component placement, moisture ingress, and potential injury from sudden door acceleration, especially when door springs are misadjusted or break.

Innovation Solution

A motor-driven push-type opening bar system mounted on the washing chamber or its body, allowing controlled and safe automatic door opening, with a magnetic coupling for stabilization and adjustable opening speeds using different motor types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the latching mechanism is mounted on the door, then the door can be latched securely, but space for displays or controls is limited and moisture can ingress through cutouts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching securityVSAvoidavailable space on door

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is extracted from the door and mounted on the washing chamber instead. This removes the conflict between needing a secure latch and maintaining door integrity, as the latch is now located where it can engage the door without compromising the door's surface or requiring cutouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If the door is opened suddenly by releasing the latch or using spring force, then the door opens quickly, but the door may accelerate suddenly and injure persons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening speedVSAvoiddoor acceleration injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The door opening system uses a motor-driven push-type opening bar that provides controlled, gradual door opening instead of sudden spring-driven movement. The motor can regulate the opening speed and acceleration, preventing harmful sudden movements while still achieving timely door opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for safe door opening by using a motor-driven mechanism that inherently controls acceleration and speed throughout the opening process. This prevents harmful sudden movements before they can occur, rather than relying on post-factum safety measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If door springs are provided to counteract sudden door acceleration, then injury risk is reduced, but the springs may be misadjusted or break causing the door to drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor acceleration controlVSAvoiddoor spring adjustment and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-driven push-type opening bar replaces the spring-based door acceleration control system. This eliminates the need for adjustable door springs that can be misadjusted or break, while providing reliable and controllable door opening through an electric motor system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If a handle is provided to allow user to pull the door open, then the user can open the door manually, but the appliance cannot be fully integrated and handle-free

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual door openingVSAvoidappliance integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-driven push-type opening bar enables the door to open automatically without requiring a manual handle. The system can be controlled by the appliance's control unit based on cycle completion or user input through alternative interfaces (such as knocking detection), allowing fully integrated, handle-free design while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution provides a safe, space-efficient, and user-friendly automatic door opening system that reduces the risk of injury and allows for varied opening speeds, enhancing the operation and design flexibility of automatic warewashing machines, including handle-free models.

Implementation Method 1

a push-open unit (5) configured to automatically open the door (2) to at least an ajar position. The push-open unit includes a motor-driven push-type opening bar (504)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

with a magnetic coupling for stabilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9084526B2Automatic warewashing machine, in particular a household dishwasher, having an automatically openable door

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 MIELE & CO KG

AI summary

An automatic warewashing machine includes a washing chamber, a hinged door configured to close the washing chamber, and a force-locking latching mechanism configured to hold the door in a closed position and release the door in response to a pulling force. The force-locking latching mechanism is disposed on the washing chamber or on a body enclosing the washing chamber. A door opening system is also included and has a push-open unit configured to automatically open the door to at least an ajar position. The push-open unit includes a motor-driven push-type opening bar.