Panel assembly for a dishwasher, method for mounting a panel assembly, and dishwasher having a panel assembly of this type

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of panel assemblies for household dishwashers is time-consuming and costly due to the complexity of connecting multiple panel elements, which increases production costs and assembly time.

Innovation Solution

A panel assembly design featuring a panel support with a first and second panel element connected via joint arrangements, allowing for simple and tool-free assembly by pivoting and fixing the elements, with overlapping sections providing additional stability and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple panel elements are connected using traditional assembly methods, then the panel assembly achieves structural stability, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The panel assembly is divided into multiple separate panel elements (first panel element, second panel element, third panel element) that are connected through joint arrangements. Each panel element can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for modular construction that reduces overall assembly time while maintaining structural stability through the defined connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Joint arrangements serve as intermediary connection mechanisms between panel elements. These joints include connection elements that facilitate easy attachment and detachment, enabling rapid assembly without requiring complex fastening procedures or specialized tools, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring stable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple panel elements are connected using traditional assembly methods, then the panel assembly achieves structural stability, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the panel assembly into separate elements connected through standardized joint arrangements, each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes. This segmentation allows for economies of scale in producing identical joint components and panel elements, reducing per-unit production costs while maintaining assembly stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint arrangements are designed as universal connection mechanisms that can be used across different panel elements and potentially different applications. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of unique parts that need to be manufactured, simplifying production processes and reducing tooling costs, thereby lowering overall production costs while ensuring stable connections.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If panel elements are designed with overlapping sections for stability, then assembly stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly stabilityVSAvoidpanel assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overlapping sections are integrated into the segmented panel element design, where each panel element includes defined overlapping regions that mate with corresponding regions of adjacent elements. This segmentation approach allows the overlapping feature to be built into the basic geometry of each module rather than added as a separate complex mechanism, maintaining stability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping sections are merged with the basic panel element geometry and joint arrangement design. Rather than being separate added features, the overlapping regions are integrated into the overall panel element structure, combining multiple functions (structural stability, connection interface, and geometric fit) into a unified design that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4203761B1Panel assembly for a dishwasher, method for mounting a panel assembly, and dishwasher having a panel assembly of this type
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4203761B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4203761B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4203761B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a panel assembly (1) for a dishwasher (2), more particularly a domestic dishwasher, comprising a panel carrier (5), a first panel element (6) and a second panel element (7). The panel assembly (1) is characterized in that the first panel element (6) is connected to the panel carrier (5) by means of a first joint assembly (8) and the second panel element (7) is connected to the panel carrier (5) by means of a second joint assembly (9). The first joint assembly (8) is disposed in the region of a first inner face (10) of the panel carrier (5) and the second joint assembly (9) is disposed in the region of a second inner face (11) of the panel carrier (5), which second inner face is preferably opposite from the first inner face (10). The second panel element (7) at least partly overlaps with the first panel element (6). The invention also relates to a method for mounting a panel carrier (5) for a dishwasher (2), more particularly a domestic dishwasher.