Rotating Dishwasher Door Control Panel for Ergonomic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers require users to open the door fully to access the control panel, making them less ergonomic and potentially unsafe, especially for children, as they do not allow for independent control interface positioning or easy detergent loading without bending.
Innovation Solution
A control panel on the dishwasher door that can be rotated between two positions, allowing users to access the control interface from outside while closed, and incorporating a detergent loading system accessible from above, ensuring ergonomic operation and safety by preventing child access and eliminating the need to bend.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control panel is fixed on the door body, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot adjust the control interface position for ergonomic operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed with a rotatable connection to the door body, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a first position (coplanar with door) and a second position (extended outward). This dynamic adjustment enables users to access the control interface ergonomically without requiring the entire door to be opened.
2Ease of operation
If the door must be opened to access the control panel, then the control interface is fully accessible, but children can access and operate the dishwasher unsafely
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented as an independent movable component separated from the main door body. This segmentation allows the control interface to be accessed independently of the door opening state, enabling users to operate the dishwasher while the door remains closed and latched, thereby preventing child access.
3Ease of operation
If the detergent dispenser is located inside the body, then the structure is compact, but users must bend over to load detergent
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent loading system is repositioned from the interior horizontal plane to the exterior vertical plane of the door. The opening on the control panel and channel provide vertical access to the detergent dispenser, allowing users to load detergent from above without bending over, while maintaining compact interior space.
4Ease of operation
If the control panel extends outward from the door, then the control interface is easily accessible, but the dishwasher surface is not optically smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel transitions between two states: in the first position (coplanar with door), it maintains an optically smooth surface; in the second position (extended outward), it provides ergonomic control interface access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between surface smoothness and accessibility.
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 users to easily operate and load detergent without opening the door, enhancing ergonomic design and safety by allowing independent control panel positioning and secure child access prevention.
Implementation Method 1
the control panel (4), having a control interface (5), that can be moved forwards/backwards by being rotated around the axis where it is connected to the door (3)
Implementation Method 2
a channel that joins the said opening with the detergent dispenser, enabling the detergent filled in from the opening to be delivered to the detergent dispenser with the effect of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2), a door (3) that provides access into the body (2) and a control panel (4) having a control interface (5) and situated on the door (3).