Door assembly for a dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated dishwashers with window features face challenges in minimizing fluid leakage from the treating chamber to other parts of the dishwasher or exterior, compromising the integrity of the seal and user visibility.

Innovation Solution

A door assembly with a window opening, supported by a peripheral frame and spacer, and an edge seal element, which forms a leak-resistant seal between the window panes, using a partial melt weld and compatible polypropylene-based resin materials to ensure a strong and durable seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a window is added to the door assembly to provide visibility into the treating chamber, then user visibility is improved, but the risk of fluid leakage increases due to additional sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser visibilityVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-layer window assembly where first and second window panes are nested within a window opening in the door assembly. The spacers and seal elements are nested between the panes, creating a nested structure that provides visibility while maintaining sealed isolation from the treating chamber interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including spacers and seal elements that mediate between the window panes and the treating chamber. These intermediaries create sealed barriers that prevent fluid leakage while allowing light transmission for visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional sealing methods are used for the window assembly, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fluid leakage occurs compromising seal integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite sealing structures combining spacers made of one material with seal elements made of different materials. This composite approach provides both structural support and effective sealing, achieving reliable fluid prevention while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes flexible seal elements that can conform to the window opening and accommodate manufacturing tolerances. These flexible sealing components provide reliable fluid barriers without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively prevents fluid leakage and maintains user visibility by creating a sealed chamber between the window panes, enhancing the reliability and performance of the dishwasher's door assembly.

Implementation Method 1

using a partial melt weld and compatible polypropylene-based resin materials to ensure a strong and durable seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelt weld: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10342407B2Door assembly for a dishwasher

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly having an interior door panel, an exterior door panel, and a window assembly comprising first and second window panes supported within the door assembly by a peripheral frame.