Dishwasher Door Window Assembly for Leak-Resistant Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated dishwashers face challenges in minimizing fluid leakage through windows that provide a view into the treating chamber, which can lead to moisture accumulation and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A door assembly with a window assembly comprising two spaced panes separated by a vacuum-sealed chamber, supported by a frame and sealed with a gasket or foam seal to prevent fluid leakage and sound transmission, while allowing visibility into the treating chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a window is provided in the door assembly to allow visibility into the treating chamber, then the user can view the treatment process, but fluid leakage increases and moisture accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is divided into multiple panes (first pane, second pane, third pane) separated by spaced relationships, creating multiple sealing interfaces. Each pane edge is independently sealed to the support frame, distributing the sealing function across multiple locations rather than relying on a single seal, thereby reducing fluid leakage while maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A support frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the window panes and the door assembly. The support frame provides a structured interface for multiple seals (first seal, second seal, third seal) to attach, mediating the connection between the transparent panes and the door structure, enabling effective fluid leakage prevention while maintaining visual access.
2Reliability
If a window assembly with multiple panes and seals is used to prevent fluid leakage, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into the support frame structure, which simultaneously provides mechanical support for the panes, attachment points for multiple seals, and structural integration with the door assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, managing device complexity while achieving reliable fluid leakage prevention through multiple sealed interfaces.
3Reliability
If seals are provided between the window assembly support frame and pane edges to prevent fluid leakage, then reliability improves, but sound transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different seals are positioned at different locations around the window assembly perimeter (first seal at first location, second seal at second location, third seal at third location), providing localized sealing at each pane-support frame interface. This distributed sealing approach prevents fluid leakage at each specific location while the spaced pane configuration maintains acoustic insulation properties.
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 effectively minimizes fluid leakage and sound transmission, maintaining a clear view and reducing the risk of moisture accumulation, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and user experience of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
defining an intervening vacuum sealed chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly comprising a window assembly comprising first and second spaced window panes defining an intervening vacuum sealed chamber, a window assembly support frame provided on the door panel, and a seal provided between the window assembly support frame and the first and second panes and encapsulated by the window assembly support frame.