Dishwasher comprising a washing tank and a water circulation pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher water circulation pipe fixing methods require additional stainless steel components, leading to increased costs and corrosion risks, especially for 'L' shaped pipes, and often necessitate the use of inserts which complicate assembly and may lead to leakage.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design featuring a plastic arch part with interlocking assembly elements that securely fix the water circulation pipe without the need for inserts, using complementary hooking lugs and receiving cavities, ensuring a reliable seal and reducing stress on the pipe during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional stainless steel components are used to fix the water circulation pipe, then the pipe can be securely fixed in the washing tank, but the manufacturing cost increases and corrosion risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe fixation reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arch part and water circulation pipe are both made of plastic material, creating a homogeneous material system that eliminates galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. The plastic arch part integrates the fixation function directly into the tank structure without requiring additional metal fasteners or supports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the stainless steel fixation components from the system and replaces them with a plastic arch part that is an integral part of the washing tank structure. This removes the harmful metal components that cause corrosion while maintaining the fixation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If additional stainless steel components and inserts are used to fix the water circulation pipe, then the pipe can be securely fixed, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe fixation reliabilityVSAvoidfixation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arch part merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural support for the tank, incorporates fixation elements (reception cavities or grooves) for the water circulation pipe, and eliminates the need for separate inserts or fasteners. This simplifies the overall fixation system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic arch part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural element of the washing tank, provides fixation for the water circulation pipe through integrated reception cavities or grooves, and eliminates the need for additional fixation components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity.

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

3Reliability

If additional stainless steel components are welded or clinched to the bottom part of the tank, then the water circulation pipe can be held in place, but the risk of corrosion and degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe holding stabilityVSAvoidtank lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Both the arch part and water circulation pipe are made of plastic material, creating a homogeneous material system that eliminates galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. This homogeneous construction extends the lifespan of the washing tank by removing the corrosion risk associated with metal-to-plastic or metal-to-metal connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

4Reliability

If fixing means are arranged on the upper part of the crown part to fix C-shaped pipes, then the pipe can be secured, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe fixation reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The arch part merges the fixation function with the structural design of the washing tank's crown part. The reception cavities or grooves are integrated into the arch part itself, which is a visible component of the tank structure. This eliminates the need for separate, potentially ugly fixing brackets or fasteners that would compromise aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3501369A1Dishwasher comprising a washing tank and a water circulation pipe
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 GRP BRANDT
  • EP3501369A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3501369A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3501369A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dishwasher comprising a wash tub (1) having a base portion (21) and a crown portion (3), and a water circulation pipe (5) disposed inside said wash tub (1). The crown portion (3) includes at least one assembly element (34) and said water circulation pipe (5) includes at least one additional assembly element (51), said at least one assembly element (34) of said crown portion (3) and said at least one additional assembly element (51) of said water circulation pipe (5) being adapted to fit together so as to keep said water circulation pipe (5) fixed within the wash tub (1). The water circulation pipe is mounted in the wash tub simply and without the use of any additional parts.