Dishwasher Plinth Gap Lighting for Visible Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free-standing dishwashers are sensitive to tilting moments and lack an easily visible light indicator for operating states, as they cannot be integrated with adjacent units or countertops, making it difficult to prevent tilting and display operational status effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting element is placed behind the appliance door's front face, utilizing the movement gap between the plinth cover's top wall and the door's lower edge to illuminate outwardly, with the plinth cover acting as a reflector to enhance luminosity, and the lighting element can be motion-coupled to the door or fixed independently for reliable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a lighting element is placed in the plinth recess to indicate operating status, then the indicator is visible, but the lighting element occupies valuable construction space and may interfere with door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element is positioned in the depth dimension behind the appliance door's front face, utilizing the free movement gap as an optical pathway. This allows the light indicator to be visible through the gap while the lighting element itself occupies minimal space within the door structure, resolving the conflict between visibility and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement gap between the plinth cover and appliance door serves as an intermediary optical channel. The lighting element illuminates this gap, which then directs the light outward to indicate operating status. This intermediary approach allows the light to be visible without requiring the lighting element to be prominently positioned.
2Shape
If the lighting element is placed behind the appliance door, then it is concealed and aesthetically pleasing, but the light must be directed outward through the movement gap requiring precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element is designed to be motion-coupled to the appliance door, maintaining a fixed relative position as the door moves. This dynamic positioning ensures the lighting element remains correctly positioned relative to the movement gap throughout door operation, reducing the need for absolute precision while maintaining proper light direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of the lighting element's position and orientation parameters to optimize light direction through the movement gap. By making these parameters adjustable rather than fixed, the design accommodates variations in door movement and gap dimensions while maintaining effective light indication.
3Ease of operation
If the appliance door is hinged to swing forward, then it provides easy access to the wash container, but it creates tilting moments that affect free-standing dishwashers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms including springs and weights positioned within the door assembly to offset the tilting moments generated by the hinged door's weight. These counterbalancing elements work against gravity to reduce the destabilizing effect on the free-standing appliance while preserving the door's swing motion for user access.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalancing mechanisms are pre-configured to anticipate and compensate for the tilting moments before they fully develop during door operation. By providing preliminary counteracting forces, the system prevents excessive tilting and maintains appliance stability throughout the door's range of motion.
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 provides a concealed yet visible light indicator for operational states like 'ready' or 'error' without compromising the door's movement, enhancing visibility and preventing tilting by directing light outward through the gap, ensuring reliable operation and improved user feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the top wall of the plinth cover is configured as a reflector which reflects the light radiated by the lighting element outwards through the movement gap
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, in particular a free-standing dishwasher or a high-level built-in dishwasher, includes an appliance door and a bottom-side plinth cover which is aligned essentially flush with a front face of the appliance door. The plinth cover has a top wall which faces a lower edge of the appliance door and is spaced from the lower edge of the appliance door to allow for an opening movement of the appliance door across a free movement gap. At least one lighting element is provided to allow illumination of the movement gap between the lower edge of the appliance door and the top wall of the plinth cover.