Dishwasher Operating Panel Spray Integration for Simpler Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers require significant manufacturing effort due to separate spray devices integrated in the washing compartment, necessitating additional openings and liquid supply lines in the walls.

Innovation Solution

Integrate spray devices into existing operating components, such as the wall or lid of the washing compartment, utilizing existing openings for both functionality and cleaning liquid supply, eliminating the need for separate installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spray devices are integrated as separate components in the washing compartment, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray device is merged with the operating device by integrating the spray nozzle directly into the operating device housing. The operating device serves dual functions: controlling the dishwasher operation and housing the spray nozzle that directs cleaning liquid onto the dishes. This eliminates the need for separate spray device components and their associated mounting openings and liquid supply lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating device is given multiple functions: it serves as both the control interface for the dishwasher and as the housing for the spray device. The same opening in the washing compartment wall that accommodates the operating device also serves as the mounting location for the spray nozzle, eliminating the need for separate openings and simplifying manufacturing.

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

2Ease of operation

If separate openings and liquid supply lines are provided for spray devices, then spray functionality is achieved, but manufacturing effort and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply line for the spray device is merged with the existing liquid supply system of the dishwasher. The spray nozzle is connected to the cleaning liquid supply through the same piping that supplies the main washing chamber, eliminating the need for separate liquid supply lines and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing opening in the washing compartment wall, designed for the operating device, is made multi-functional by also serving as the mounting opening for the spray nozzle. This eliminates the need for additional openings and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining full spray functionality.

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

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

Simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs by leveraging existing components, while maintaining effective cleaning through strategically placed spray devices, including a 'roof shower' function for improved cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spray device for spraying cleaning liquid onto the items to be washed being integrated in the at least one operating device, and the at least one spray device being a spray nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2012644B1Domestic dishwasher
Publication Date: 2013.03.13 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2012644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2012644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2012644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), in particular a domestic dishwasher, comprising a washing space, in which the soiled articles can be positioned for cleaning, and at least one or more operating devices (11) which operate during the cleaning operation and are arranged in at least one opening in a bounding face of the washing space and/or of a container (2) which can be positioned in the washing space, characterized in that in addition at least one spray device (5) for spraying cleaning fluid is integrated into the washing space in at least one operating device (11).