Dishwasher Door Seal Structure for Corrosion-Resistant Low-Cost Tubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to manufacture a dishwasher with reduced material costs while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding crevice corrosion, particularly when using less corrosion-resistant Cr steel for the washing container and ensuring the functionality of Hall sensors.
Innovation Solution
The door seal receiving part is integrated into the sheet metal casing of the washing container, forming a three-layer composite with a stepped outward design that reinforces the front and accommodates the Hall sensor, and uses CrNi steel for the door seal to prevent corrosion, with strategically placed air gaps and welded connections to prevent capillary corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the washing container is made from inexpensive Cr steel, then material costs are reduced, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the washing container. The front area (door seal receiving part, edge flange, web) is made from corrosion-resistant CrNi steel, while the remaining container can be made from cheaper Cr steel. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction by providing corrosion resistance only where it is most needed (front sealing areas) while reducing overall material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing container is constructed as a composite structure combining CrNi steel components (door seal receiving part, edge flange, web) with Cr steel components (remaining container). This composite approach allows the structure to benefit from the corrosion resistance of CrNi steel in critical areas while utilizing the cost advantage of Cr steel in non-critical areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between material cost and corrosion resistance.
2Strength
If the door seal receiving part is integrated into the sheet metal casing, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door seal receiving part is merged with the sheet metal casing through direct integration, where the door seal receiving part forms an integral part of the washing container structure. The edge flange and web are continuously connected to the container wall, creating a unified structural assembly. This merging improves structural integrity by eliminating separate components and connection points, while the integrated design actually simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts to assemble.
3Strength
If the front area is reinforced with a stepped design, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped design adds a dimensional feature to the front area of the washing container. The edge flange extends forward from the container wall, creating a stepped configuration with a web connecting the two levels. This dimensional change reinforces the front structure by distributing loads across multiple surfaces and connection points, while the stepped form itself becomes a structural element rather than a decorative feature, balancing strength enhancement with manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing compartment (1) whose loading opening (9) is at least partially surrounded by a door seal (7) that is inserted into a door seal receiving part (17) that is connected to the washing compartment (1). is. According to the invention, at least one washing compartment wall (21) has an outwardly stepped formation (19) on the front side, in which the washing compartment wall (21) merges via an angled web (23) into an edge flange (25) offset outwards by a step height (a), and the contour of the door seal receptacle (17) is inserted into the outwardly stepped embossment (19) of the washing compartment wall (21).