Built-In Dishwasher Toe Kick Insulation for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Built-in dishwashers generate unwanted noise due to water impact on inner walls and components, with existing noise insulation materials in the toe kick range either insufficient or obstructing door opening when thicker.

Innovation Solution

A built-in dishwasher design featuring vibration insulation layers of different thicknesses and materials on the front and lower surfaces of the toe kick range components, combined with acoustic insulation layers, effectively reducing noise discharge while allowing full door opening by varying the thickness distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the thickness of insulation materials in the toe kick range is increased to reduce noise discharge, then noise reduction is improved, but the depth of the toe kick range is reduced whereby the door cannot be opened entirely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise dischargeVSAvoiddoor opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system is segmented into two distinct layers: a vibration insulation layer (first layer) and an acoustic insulation layer (second layer). This segmentation allows each layer to have optimized thickness for its specific function, with the total thickness managed to accommodate door opening requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different thicknesses of insulation layers are applied at different locations. The vibration insulation layer has varying thickness (e.g., 5-15mm at front cover, 10-20mm at support plate) to locally optimize noise reduction while maintaining door clearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the thickness of insulation materials is increased to prevent noise discharge, then noise insulation is improved, but the toe kick range depth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise dischargeVSAvoidtoe kick range depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation structure is divided into front cover portion and support plate portion, each with independently optimized insulation layer thicknesses. This allows the total insulation thickness to be distributed in a way that reduces noise while maintaining adequate toe kick depth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration insulation layers with different thicknesses are used on front cover and support plate, then noise reduction is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidinsulation layer configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration insulation layer is designed with different thicknesses at different locations (thinner at front cover, thicker at support plate) to address local noise transmission characteristics. This localized optimization improves noise reduction effectiveness while the modular layer structure keeps manufacturing manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly reduces washing noise discharge to the outside environment while ensuring the door can be fully opened, utilizing bitumen for vibration insulation and felt for acoustic insulation, optimizing noise reduction without obstructing door movement.

Implementation Method 1

The vibration insulation layers covered over the front cover and the support plate in the toe kick range as the first layer dampen the vibrations of the front cover and the support plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the acoustic vibration layers covered over the vibration insulation layers as the second layer reduce the discharge of noise to the outside environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic insulation: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2432364B1A built-in dishwasher with reduced noise
Publication Date: 2013.02.13 ARCELIK AS
  • EP2432364B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2432364B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a built-in dishwasher (1) comprising a frame shaped base (3) in order to support the tub (2) at a certain height from the floor, a door (4) providing the items to be washed to be loaded and unloaded, a toe kick range (5) situated at the front side of the base (3) and forming a recess toward the base (3) between the lower edge of the door (4) and the floor (F) by extending under the door (4), a front cover (6) disposed at the rear side of the toe kick range (5) which covers the front side of the base (3) by being vertical to the floor (F), a support plate (7) covering the upper side of the toe kick range (5), being parallel to the floor (F) such that an L shape is formed with the front cover (6) and whereon the front portion of the tub (2) is seated providing to support the tub (2), and an acoustic vibration layer (9, 109) covered on the surfaces of the front cover (6) and the support plate (7) facing the toe kick range (5).