Dishwasher Door Seal Mounting to Resist Opening Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwasher door seals tend to loosen due to torque transmission during door opening, leading to a loss of seal integrity, especially under the forces encountered during door operation.
Innovation Solution
The door seal is designed with end sections that are partially encompassed by a holding section featuring stop surfaces aligned to counteract torque, ensuring the connection remains secure by absorbing and redirecting torque forces, thereby maintaining a reliable seal between the door seal and the washing compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door seal is attached to the washing compartment to seal the gap, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the connection loosens due to torque during door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The holding section is designed with stop surfaces that preemptively counteract the torque generated during door opening. The first stop surface and second stop surface are positioned to apply opposing forces on the door seal end section, creating a preliminary anti-action that prevents the connection from loosening under operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding section functions as a counterbalancing structure that provides a counter-torque to the door seal. By positioning the stop surfaces at specific locations, the holding section generates counteracting forces that balance the torque applied during door operation, preventing the seal from rotating or loosening.
2Strength
If the door seal end section is rigidly connected to withstand torque, then connection strength is improved, but the door seal loses flexibility for sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The door seal is divided into functionally distinct sections: rigid end sections for structural connection and a flexible central area for sealing adaptation. The first end section connects to the door with rigid attachment, while the second end section connects to the holding section, with the flexible central area between them accommodating sealing requirements without compromising connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the door seal have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The end sections are designed with higher rigidity to withstand torque and provide stable connections, while the central area maintains flexibility to conform to the sealing surface and accommodate gaps of varying sizes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, is proposed with a washing compartment (2) for receiving items to be washed to be cleaned, which can be closed on its front side (V) facing the user by a door (3) which is movably mounted relative to the washing compartment (2), wherein at least one door seal (D) is provided to seal a gap (21) between the lower area (18) of the door (3) and the washing compartment (2), and wherein the door seal (D) is provided at least on one side facing the washing compartment (2). inner area (3b) of the door (3) and on an edge area (20) of a bottom area (15) of the washing container (2) located in the vicinity of the front side (V). According to the invention, the door seal (D) has an end section (30) at its end fastened to the edge area (20) of the washing compartment (2), which is at least partially encompassed by a corresponding holding section (22) of the edge area (20), wherein the holding portion (22) has a first abutment surface (38) and a second abutment surface (39), each in contact with the end portion (30), and the first abutment surface (38) and the second abutment surface (39) with respect to the end portion (30) are aligned in such a way that they counteract a torque transmitted from the door (3) to the end section (30), at least when the door (3) is opened.