Switchable Door Clutch for Manual and Motor-Driven Dishwasher Closing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, such as dishwashers, lack user flexibility in choosing between manual and motor-driven door closure, with no provision for manual assistance if the motor-driven closure is too slow, and require effort to open the door against motor power.
Innovation Solution
A switchable clutch device that automatically engages or disengages based on motor operation, allowing manual or motor-driven door operation without additional actuators, and includes a one-way clutch for safe and efficient door handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the motor unit is permanently connected to the appliance door, then motor-driven door closing is enabled, but manual operation becomes difficult due to motor resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic switchable connection. The clutch mechanism allows the system to alternate between engaged (motor-driven) and disengaged (manual) states, enabling the door to be operated manually when the clutch is disengaged, while still providing motor-driven closing when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the motor unit and the appliance door. It includes a clutch mechanism with a driving element connected to the motor and a driven element connected to the door, allowing selective engagement and disengagement to mediate between motorized and manual operation modes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the motor unit operates slowly, then energy consumption is reduced, but door closing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for partial manual assistance during motor-driven door closing. When the motor operates slowly, the user can apply additional manual force to accelerate the closing process, combining partial motor action with partial manual action to reduce overall closing time without requiring full motor power.
3Reliability
If additional actuators are added for clutch control, then clutch engagement/disengagement becomes reliable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically based on operational conditions without requiring additional control actuators. The system self-regulates the coupling state between the motor unit and door, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining reliable engagement.
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 user choice between manual and motor-driven door closure, reduces effort in opening and closing, and ensures safe operation by automatically engaging the clutch when the motor is active, preventing damage from manual force override.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch is configured to automatically engage when the motor unit is operated and automatically disengage when the motor unit is not operated
Implementation Method 2
The coupling device includes a one-way clutch for safe and efficient door handling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic appliance, in particular a water-conveying domestic appliance, comprising: an appliance housing (2), which provides an appliance chamber (3) and has a loading opening (4) for access to the appliance chamber (3); an appliance door (5), mounted so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis, for closing the loading opening (4); a motor unit (11), which is operatively connected to the appliance door (5) and by means of which the appliance door (5) can be transferred from an open position into a closed position that closes the loading opening (4); and a coupling device (16), which is arranged between the motor unit (11) and the appliance door (5) and is operatively connected on the drive side to the motor unit (11) and on the output side to the appliance door (5); wherein the coupling device (16) comprises a coupling (17), which is switchable and can be transferred from an uncoupled position into a coupled position, and vice versa; wherein the coupling (17) is designed to bring about automatic switching from the uncoupled position into the coupled position during operation of the motor unit (11).