Dishwasher Foot Support Clamping for Stable Base Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of household appliances, particularly dishwashers, requires complex adjustments for different variants and dimensions, leading to increased installation effort and potential instability due to varying geometric positions of device feet.

Innovation Solution

A separate device foot support connected to the base support via a clamping element, such as a pull lever, which provides a play-free surface contact and increased foot spacing for secure standing, utilizing a plastic injection-molded part with a U-shaped receiving profile and angled leg for easy assembly and disassembly without additional screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the geometric position of front device feet is adapted to different device variants, then the appliance can accommodate different dimensions and configurations, but the installation effort and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different device variantsVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device foot assembly is segmented into a separate device foot support component that can be independently attached to the base support. This segmentation allows the foot support to be universally applicable across different device variants while simplifying installation, as the support can be attached once and accommodates various foot positions without requiring complex adjustments for each variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a complex screw connection is used to achieve play-free pressure system, then the connection stability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex screw connection mechanism is replaced with a simplified tensioning element system that uses elastic deformation and geometric constraints to achieve play-free connection. The tensioning element is stretched during assembly to generate clamping force, eliminating the need for screws while maintaining connection stability and significantly simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the device foot support is firmly clamped to the base support, then the appliance standing stability is improved, but the disassembly and maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappliance standing stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses dynamic elastic elements (tensioning elements) that provide firm clamping during operation but allow for easy release when needed. The elastic nature of the tensioning elements enables them to maintain strong clamping force for stability while permitting simple disassembly by releasing the tension, facilitating maintenance and repair operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If additional screws and complex fastening elements are added, then the connection strength is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions (clamping, positioning, and securing) are merged into a single integrated device foot support component that attaches to the base support using simplified tensioning elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws and complex fastening elements, reducing the total part count while maintaining connection strength through the combined action of the tensioning elements and geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces installation effort and ensures a stable, secure standing of the appliance by providing a statically favorable force introduction and play-free clamping connection, enhancing the appliance's stability and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping element can be stretched elastically in the installed position of the device foot support to generate the tensile force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2217756B1Household appliance
Publication Date: 2011.04.13 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2217756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2217756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2217756B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular to a dish-rinsing or dish-washing machine, with a base support (5) onto which the appliance unit is mounted and which is supported on a floor (7) by means of appliance feet (1, 3). At least one appliance-foot support (13) which is connected to the base support (5) by means of a tension element (19) is provided for the base support (5).