Handle-Less Dishwasher Door Opening Using Movable Lock Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers often have aesthetically unsatisfactory door handles or recessed grips that do not match other kitchen furniture, and existing opening mechanisms are complex and only functional with decorative panels, making it difficult to open the door reliably and efficiently without them.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a locking arrangement that includes a movably mounted locking element, sensed by a sensor system, which allows the door to be opened by detecting a manual force applied to the door, regardless of the presence or design of a decorative panel, using an actuator to unlock and open the door, eliminating the need for handles or recessed grips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle or recessed grip is provided on the door for opening, then the door can be easily opened, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded due to mismatch with kitchen furniture design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the door opening function from the traditional handle or recessed grip and relocates it to the locking arrangement. The user applies force directly to the locked door, and the locking mechanism itself facilitates opening through the movement of the locking element, eliminating the need for separate handling components that would compromise aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement is given a dual function: it not only secures the door in the closed position but also serves as the opening mechanism. The same locking element that prevents opening when engaged becomes the interface through which opening force is applied and detected, combining security and operation functions in a single component.
2Shape
If a decorative panel is attached to the door, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the door opening mechanism becomes more complex and material-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the force detection function from the decorative panel or handle area and relocates it to the locking arrangement. The sensor detects force applied directly to the door body near the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex force transmission mechanisms through the decorative panel and making the opening detection independent of panel material or thickness.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is fixedly mounted, then the structure is simpler, but the door cannot be opened by applying force to the closed door
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with movable mounting that allows it to shift position in response to force applied to the closed door. This dynamic capability enables the system to detect opening requests through the movement of the locking element itself, while the spring element provides the necessary restoring force to return the locking element to its original position after force application.
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
Enables reliable and simple door opening with minimal structural effort, independent of decorative panels or their materials, allowing for a handle-less design and easy retrofitting of a sensor and actuator module, ensuring consistent operation across various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Due primarily to the elastic properties of the commonly used door seal, even when closed, a dishwasher door can still be slightly pushed towards the wash tub by an external force. However, such movement of the door, when locked, also causes movement of movable elements within the locking mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwasher (1) comprises a washing receptacle (2), a pivotable door (3) which closes the washing receptacle (2) in the closed position, and a locking arrangement (6) which allows the door (3) to be locked in the closed position thereof and has at least one movably mounted locking element (8). A movement of the locking element (8) caused by a force acting on the closed door (3) in the direction of the washing receptacle (2) is sensed, and the door (3) is unlocked and opened at least into an ajar position in accordance with the sensed movement.