Dish washer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers require additional fixing frames for function modules like door locking, sensing, and automatic door opening, which complicates the structure and increases manufacturing costs due to the need for separate positioning tools and fastening means for the upper and side frames.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design where a function module is integrated into the front upper frame reinforcing the tub's open front surface without a dedicated fixing frame, allowing for mutual coupling with the side frame, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of fastening means needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional fixing frame is used to accommodate function modules on the upper frame, then the function modules can be properly positioned and fixed, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction module accommodationVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the upper frame and side frame into a single integrated structure where the side frame extends upward to form the upper frame, eliminating the need for separate fixing frames. This integration allows function modules to be directly mounted on the combined frame structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability for accommodating various function modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated frame structure serves multiple functions: it reinforces the tub opening, provides mounting surfaces for function modules, and establishes precise positional relationships between components. The frame's extended structure with horizontal and vertical portions creates versatile mounting locations without requiring additional dedicated fixing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate positioning tools and fastening means are provided for the upper frame and side frame, then accurate positioning and secure coupling are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe positioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated frame structure is designed with pre-established positioning features during manufacturing, including the extended side frame portions that naturally align with the tub opening and each other. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for separate positioning tools during assembly, as the geometry itself provides the positioning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the upper and side frames into one integrated component, the patent reduces the number of fastening means required. The continuous structure provides inherent structural integrity and coupling, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and positioning tools that would be required if the frames were separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the upper frame only reinforces the tub opening without additional functions, then the structure remains simple, but additional functions like door locking and sensing cannot be integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structure simplicityVSAvoidfunction module integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated frame structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the tub opening for structural integrity, provides mounting surfaces for door locking mechanisms, accommodates door position sensors, and supports automatic door opening actuators. This multi-functionality is achieved through the extended horizontal and vertical portions of the frame that create natural mounting locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges structural reinforcement and function module accommodation into a single integrated frame design. The side frame extending upward to form the upper frame creates a unified structure that both strengthens the tub opening and provides built-in mounting capabilities for various door-related functions, eliminating the need for separate fixing frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4140387A1Dish washer
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4140387A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140387A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4140387A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher in which an additional function module is disposed at and fixed to a front upper frame reinforcing the upper side of an open front surface of a tub (20), without a fixing frame exclusive for the function module, thereby ensuring a simple structure and a reduction in manufacturing costs, and in which a mutual coupling structure is formed between the front upper frame (71) and a front side frame reinforcing the sides of the open front surface of the tub, to readily determine the positions of the front upper frame and the front side frame, thereby ensuring a simple manufacturing process.