Dishwasher with a housing

Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturing dishwashers with power cords that are compatible with different international power standards requires separate assembly parts for each destination country, making the manufacturing process complex and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an appliance socket and household power supply connection assembly with a radio frequency interference (RFI) barrier housing that allows for post-manufacture customization to fit different power plugs, enabling a single dishwasher design suitable for multiple countries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dishwashers are customized for different countries during assembly to accommodate varying power plug requirements, then adaptability to different markets is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different power plug typesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized appliance socket footprint that can accommodate multiple power plug types through interchangeable adapters or configurable configurations. This allows a single dishwasher model to be deployed globally without country-specific customization, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability to different power standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dishwashers are customized for different countries during assembly to accommodate varying power plug requirements, then adaptability to different markets is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different power plug typesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized appliance socket footprint that can accommodate multiple power plug types through interchangeable adapters or configurable configurations. This allows a single dishwasher model to be deployed globally without country-specific customization, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability to different power standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a standardized appliance socket footprint is used across all models, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to accommodate different power cord types may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different power cords

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connection system configurable or adjustable. The standardized socket footprint incorporates mechanisms such as removable adapters, adjustable contact configurations, or modular components that can be adapted to different power cord types, allowing the system to transition between different connection standards while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12605032B2Dishwasher with a housing

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dishwasher includes a chassis defining an interior. A tub is located within the interior and at least partially defines a treating chamber. The dishwasher further includes an electrical power bus having a plug. An appliance socket receives the plug from the electrical power bus. The dishwasher further yet includes a radio frequency interference (RFI) housing.