Motor-Driven Cable Door Assembly for Automated Dishwasher Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwasher appliances require manual operation to open and close the door, which is inconvenient and lacks automation for hands-free access.

Innovation Solution

An automated door assembly with a motor-driven extension arm and cable system that allows the door to be automatically opened and closed, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual latch mechanism is used for the door, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual engagement and disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of door operationVSAvoidcomplexity of door assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly operates automatically without requiring manual engagement or disengagement of a latch mechanism. The motor-driven extension arm and cable system self-actuate to open and close the door based on sensor input, eliminating the need for user intervention in the latching process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical latch mechanism is replaced with an automated motor-driven system. The motor, extension arm, and cable assembly substitute for the manual pulling or pushing action previously required to operate the door, transforming a manual mechanical operation into an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the door pivoting process is unregulated and relies on gravity, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of controlled movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of door movementVSAvoidcomplexity of door control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unregulated gravitational pivoting is replaced with a controlled electromechanical system. The motor-driven extension arm and cable assembly provide regulated, controlled movement of the door, ensuring reliable and consistent opening and closing actions rather than relying on uncontrolled gravity-based pivoting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the door's position and state, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures the door moves to the correct position and remains reliably closed during operation, with the ability to detect and respond to abnormal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If manual door operation is used, then the extent of automation remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to requiring user intervention for each door operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidlevel of door automation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly performs its own opening and closing operations automatically based on sensor detection and control system commands. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention in door operation, thereby improving productivity and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual door operation is completely replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising a motor, extension arm, and cable assembly. This substitution transforms the door operation from a manual task requiring user intervention to an automated process that occurs without user involvement, thereby enhancing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates hands-free operation, providing convenient and efficient access to the wash chamber without user intervention, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a motor mounted within the cabinet for selectively rotating a drive pulley, and a cable wrapped around the drive pulley and being connected to a distal end of the extension arm, the motor being configured for selectively winding the cable to move the door frame to a closed position and unwinding the cable to move the door frame to an open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11519213B2Automated door assembly for a dishwasher appliance

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An automated door assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a door frame pivotally mounted to the cabinet. An extension arm is mounted to and extends away from the door frame at approximately 90 degrees. A motor is mounted to the cabinet and is coupled to a distal end of the extension arm by a cable. The motor is selectively rotated to wind and unwind the cable to move the door frame between the closed position and the open position. A latch assembly engages a striker mounted on the door frame to initiate the opening and closing process.