Dishwasher Rail-Integrated Light Source to Reduce Tub Apertures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dishwasher light sources are often mounted directly to the tub, requiring multiple mounting apertures that can increase assembly complexity and potentially lead to fluid leaks.

Innovation Solution

A light source is integrated into the rail assembly's support housing, utilizing existing mounting apertures to reduce the number of tub apertures needed, with the light source positioned to illuminate the tub and controlled by a controller for varying brightness and color.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light source is mounted directly to the tub, then illumination is provided, but number of mounting apertures increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveilluminationVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is merged with the rail assembly structure, specifically integrated into the support housing that is part of the rail assembly. This combination allows the light source to be mounted without requiring separate mounting apertures in the tub, as it utilizes the existing rail assembly mounting structure instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rail assembly's support housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the rail assembly and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated light source mounting hardware and apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If light source is mounted directly to the tub, then illumination is provided, but number of mounting apertures in tub increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveilluminationVSAvoidnumber of mounting apertures

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The light source mounting function is merged with the rail assembly support housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting apertures in the tub. The support housing that is already required for the rail assembly now also provides mounting for the light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rail assembly's support housing serves itself by providing both structural support and light source mounting functionality. The existing mounting structure for the rail assembly automatically serves the additional purpose of mounting the light source without requiring extra apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple mounting apertures are used in tub, then light source can be mounted, but potential for fluid leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidfluid leak potential

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light source mounting function is extracted from the tub structure and relocated to the rail assembly's support housing. This extraction eliminates the need for additional apertures in the tub, thereby removing the associated leak risk while preserving mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11229344B2Light source for a dishwasher

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dishwasher can include a chassis, a tub, and a dishrack moveable into and out of the tub. A rail assembly mounting the dishrack to the tub can include a slidable rail and at least one support housing secured to the tub for supporting the slidable rail. The dishwasher can also include at least one light source for illuminating a portion of the tub.