Dishwasher Front Frame Hook Assembly for Rigid Base Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher designs face challenges in achieving a simple and reliable assembly method while maintaining structural rigidity at the connection point between the washing compartment and the base support, leading to high material consumption and mounting costs.
Innovation Solution
The front frame's lateral frame strips are attached to bearing elements via hook elements that encompass the base support, creating a structurally rigid double wall structure without additional connecting elements, ensuring a secure and rigid connection point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional connection methods with separate connecting elements are used to achieve high structural rigidity at the connection point, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the material consumption and mounting costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook element is integrated directly into the frame strip as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements. The hook element forms an integral part of the frame strip structure, combining the function of structural support and connection in one component, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining structural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The hook element encompasses the bearing element (hinge plate) by hooking around it, creating a nested connection where the frame strip's hook element surrounds and secures the bearing element. This nesting arrangement provides a rigid connection without requiring additional fastening elements
2Strength
If conventional connection methods with separate connecting elements are used to achieve high structural rigidity at the connection point, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the mounting complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook element is formed integrally with the frame strip, merging the connection function into the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate connecting elements and their associated mounting operations, thereby reducing mounting complexity while achieving the required structural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The hook element's geometry is designed to automatically engage with and center the bearing element during assembly. The centering gap provides self-alignment, allowing the connection to be made without complex positioning procedures or additional alignment fixtures, thus simplifying the mounting process
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple assembly method is used to reduce material consumption and mounting complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural rigidity at the connection point deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook element features a curved, hooked geometry that encompasses the bearing element. This curved design provides mechanical interlocking and structural rigidity through the hook's geometry, while the centering gap maintains assembly simplicity by allowing easy insertion and automatic alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is achieved by extending the hook element in a curved path that wraps around the bearing element, utilizing a different spatial dimension (the curved path) to create rigidity rather than relying on additional fastening elements in the same plane
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a washing compartment having a front access opening which is surrounded by a front frame. The front frame is open on a floor side and has lateral frame strips. A base support is arranged on the floor side and has bearing elements for support of the lateral frame strips. Each of the lateral frame strips of the front frame includes at least one hook element which encompasses the associated bearing element of the base support.