Patent Publication Number: US-2023145424-A1

Title: Taper pin for an appliance housing

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to manufactured housing pieces, and more particularly to housings of, or for, a domestic appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In manufacturing, parts are often put together in stages or steps. Each component added to a manufacturing piece may add a step to assembly and installation of the components into the manufacturing piece. Additionally, having many components in a manufacturing piece may complicate or extend repair time. For example, placing parts together by the use of screws takes time, both during manufacturing and when making repairs. 
     Housings in manufactured pieces, such as appliances, may house or partially envelop more fragile pieces such as electronic components such as wiring for control panels or circuitry for a controller. For example, electronic components may benefit from a housing in appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, ranges, and the like. Housings may provide a level of stability or some protection to such elements and may be beneficial. To house the components, separate housing elements may be connected together by a screw or a set of screws. Housings may also be connected to other components by use of at least one screw. Hence, housing components such as electrical components may require many components, each component adding time to manufacturing or repair processes. Each component may further contribute to costs, both in assembly and manufacture of the manufacturing piece and in repair and maintenance of the manufacturing piece. 
     Accordingly, a housing component that could connect and contain other components without the use of a screw would be useful. For example, an appliance with fewer components, would also be desirable. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure an appliance housing is provided. The appliance housing may include a mating component defining an opening, a confined component removably connected to the mating component, and a primary beam. The primary beam may be elastically movable relative to the mating component. The appliance housing may further include a pin attached to the primary beam. The pin may be attached to the primary beam to move therewith between a flexed position and an original position. The pin may extend from a base end proximal to the primary beam and an outer end distal to the primary beam. The pin may be selectively received within the opening to constrain the primary beam relative to the mating component. The primary beam may be flexible to allow the pin to move inward in a first direction to the flexed position and may return outward in a direction opposite to the first direction to the original position. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance is provided. The appliance may include a cabinet and a housing enclosed by the cabinet. The housing may comprise a mating component defining an opening, a confined component removably connected to the mating component and a primary beam. The primary beam may be elastically moveable relative to the mating component. The housing may further include a pin attached to the primary beam. The pin may be attached to the primary beam to move therewith between a flexed position and an original position. The pin may extend from a base end proximal to the primary beam and an outer end distal to the primary beam. The pin may be selectively received within the opening to constrain the primary beam relative to the mating component. The primary beam may be flexible to allow the pin to move inward in a first direction to the flexed position and may return outward in a direction opposite to the first direction to the original position. The pin can be aligned with the opening defined by the mating component to constrain the confined component relative to the mating component. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary dishwasher appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    provides a side, section view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    provides a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary housing in the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    provides a bottom perspective view of the exemplary housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    provides a bottom perspective view of an exemplary skeletal support frame according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    provides a top elevation view of a section of the exemplary skeletal support frame of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    provides a bottom elevation view of a section of the exemplary skeletal support frame of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    provides a perspective view of a section of the exemplary skeletal support frame of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  9    provides an alternative perspective view of a section of the exemplary skeletal support frame of  FIG.  8   ; and 
         FIG.  10    provides a top elevation view of the exemplary skeletal support frame of  FIG.  5   . 
     
    
    
     Use of the same of similar reference numerals in the figures denotes the same or similar features unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. Terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing the appliance (e.g., when the door is in the closed position). For example, a user stands in front of the appliance to open a door and reaches into the internal chamber(s) to access items therein. 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin. 
     As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “cleaning cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, or a drain cycle. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include a housing that may be inside a cabinet that encases a component, such as a circuit board. In order to constrain the component into the housing, a tapered pin on a primary beam may be connected to the component. The pin and primary beam may act like a spring to install pin into a void within housing, the pin and primary beam flexing away from the void and then returning to their original position when the pin is inserted into the void. A skeletal support frame connected to or including the primary beam may aid the pin and primary beam in constraining the component in the housing. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, dishwasher appliance  100  is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitable household appliance. Thus, the present subject matter may be used with other dishwasher appliances having different configurations. The present subject matter may further be used with other household appliances such as microwave ovens, washing machine appliances, dryer appliances, dishwashing appliances, refrigerator appliances, etc. Dishwasher appliance  100  will be described below, with the understanding that other embodiments may include or be provided as another suitable household appliance (e.g., defining an internal chamber). Referring now to the figures, an exemplary appliance will be described in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of an exemplary domestic dishwasher appliance  100  and  FIG.  2    provides a side cross-sectional view of appliance  100 . As illustrated, appliance  100  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, appliance  100  includes a cabinet  102  that is generally configured for containing and/or supporting various components of appliance  100  and which may also define one or more internal chambers or compartments of appliance  100 . In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance  100 , e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance  100 . By contrast, cabinet  102  may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet  102 . It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As illustrated, cabinet  102  generally extends between a top  107  and a bottom  108  along the vertical direction V, between a first side  109  (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front as in  FIG.  1   ) and a second side  110  (e.g., the right side when viewed from the front as in  FIG.  1   ) along the lateral direction L, and between a front  111  and a rear  112  along the transverse direction T. In general, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing appliance  100 . 
     For the particular embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the dishwasher  100  includes a cabinet  102  ( FIG.  2   ) having a tub  104  therein that defines a wash chamber  106 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , tub  104  extends between a top  107  and a bottom  108  along a vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls  110  along a lateral direction L, and between a front side  111  and a rear side  112  along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another. 
     The tub  104  includes a front opening  114  and a door  116  hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in  FIG.  2   ), wherein the wash chamber  106  is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal, fully open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher  100 . According to exemplary embodiments, dishwasher  100  further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly  118  that is used to lock and unlock door  116  for accessing and sealing wash chamber  106 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , tub side walls  110  accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide rails  120  may be mounted to side walls  110  for supporting a first rack assembly  122  (also referred to as a lower rack assembly  122 ), a middle rack assembly  124  (also referred to as a second rack assembly  124 ), and a third rack assembly  126  (also referred to as an upper rack assembly  126 ). As illustrated, third rack assembly  126  is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber  106  above middle rack assembly  124 , which is positioned above lower rack assembly  122  along the vertical direction V. Each rack assembly  122 ,  124 ,  126  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber  106 . This is facilitated, for example, by rollers  128  mounted onto rack assemblies  122 ,  124 ,  126 , respectively. Although a guide rails  120  and rollers  128  are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies  122 ,  124 ,  126 , it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments. 
     Some or all of the rack assemblies  122 ,  124 ,  126  are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members  130  (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies  122 ,  124 ,  126  are shown in  FIG.  2   ). In this regard, rack assemblies  122 ,  124 ,  126  are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber  106  while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. For this embodiment, a silverware basket  98  is removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly  122 , for placement of silverware  96 , utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small or delicate to be accommodated by rack  122 . 
     Dishwasher  100  further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber  106 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , dishwasher  100  includes a first spray assembly  134  (also referred to as a lower spray arm assembly  134 ) disposed in a lower region  136  of wash chamber  106  and above a sump  138  so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly  122 . Similarly, a second spray assembly  140  (also referred to as a mid-level spray arm assembly  140 ) is located in an upper region of wash chamber  106  and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly  124 . In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly  140  may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly  124  and third rack assembly  126 . Additionally, a third spray assembly  142  (also referred to as an upper spray assembly  142 ) may be located above third rack assembly  126  along the vertical direction V. In this manner, third spray assembly  142  may be configured for urging or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies  122 ,  124 , and  126 . 
     The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly  150  for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub  104 . More specifically, fluid circulation assembly  150  includes a pump  152  for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, or rinse aid) in the tub  104 . Pump  152  may be located within sump  138  or within a machinery compartment located below sump  138  of tub  104 , as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly  150  may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water or wash fluid from pump  152  to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , a primary supply conduit  154  may extend from pump  152 , along rear  112  of tub  104  along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber  106 . 
     As illustrated, primary supply conduit  154  is used to supply wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly  140  while a secondary supply conduit  94  supplies wash fluid to upper spray assembly  142 . Diverter assembly  156  can allow selection between spray assemblies  134 ,  140  and  142  being supplied with wash fluid. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. 
     Each spray assembly  134 ,  140 ,  142  or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump  152  onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber  106 . The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies  134 ,  140 ,  142  may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. 
     Movement of the spray arm assemblies  134  and  140  and the spray from fixed manifolds like spray assembly  142  provides coverage of dishes, silverware, and other dishwasher contents and articles to be cleaned with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher  100  may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only and are not limitations of the present subject matter. 
     In operation, pump  152  draws wash fluid in from sump  138  and pumps it to a diverter assembly  156 , e.g., which is positioned within sump  138  of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly  156  may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber  158  for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray assemblies  134 ,  140 ,  142  or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber  158 . In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly  156  is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump  152  to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which (e.g.,  94  and  154 ) are illustrated in  FIG.  2    for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly  156  may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly  134  in the clockwise direction, a second conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly  134  in the counterclockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying rack assembly  126  (shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ) as a silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supplying only mid-level or upper spray assemblies  140 ,  142 . Other configurations of diverter assembly  156  or other components (e.g., valves) may be used to allow various choices in the operation of the spray assemblies  134 ,  140 , and  142  during a cleaning cycle. 
     The dishwasher  100  is further equipped with a controller  160  to regulate operation of the dishwasher  100 . Controller  160  may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  160  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     The controller  160  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  160  may be located within a control panel area  162  of door  116  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door  116 . Typically, the controller  160  includes a user interface panel/controls  164  through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher  100 . In one embodiment, the user interface  164  may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface  164  may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface  164  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface  164  may be in communication with the controller  160  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     While dishwasher  100  is shown, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular appliance and could be used in any modular appliance or manufactured part, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, ranges, and any other component having circuitry that requires a housing for circuitry. For example, an apparatus with a bar and a circuit with housing may be provided. The exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2    is for illustrative purposes only. For example, an apparatus with a housing may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  2  through  9   , an appliance housing  200  is generally provided. As shown in  FIG.  2   , housing  200  may be located below tub  104 . Additionally or alternatively, housing  200  may be attached to or supported by cabinet  102 . In some embodiments, housing  200  is located internal to cabinet  102 , in another location than that shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     For the remainder of the description, and as shown in  FIGS.  2  through  9   , directions, including lateral, transverse, and vertical directions, will hereinafter be given in relation to housing  200 , which is shown in an exemplary position in dishwasher  100  in  FIG.  2    as attached below tub  104 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , lateral, vertical, and transverse directions are hereinafter defined by housing  200 . The alignment of these directions as defined by housing  200 , may align with or be parallel to the exemplary position of housing  200  in  FIG.  2    (where L, V, and T directions are defined relative to dishwasher  100 ), for clarity of description herein. The position of housing  200  in dishwasher  100  is shown in  FIG.  2    for exemplary purposes and for ease in defining directions only; housing  200  could be placed in any number of positions or alignments within dishwasher  100  or, indeed, in any household appliance requiring a modular housing  200  as described herein. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , housing  200  may generally include a mating component  202 , a confined component  204 , a primary beam  206 , and a pin  208  attached to primary beam  206 . In some embodiments, housing  200  encases a circuitry member of appliance  100 , such as a control panel or another circuit board. In certain embodiments, circuitry is connected via a connector wire from housing  200  (not shown). In additional or alternative embodiments, controller  160  includes, is provided as, or is otherwise in operative communication with circuitry member encased by housing  200 . 
     When assembled, mating component  202  is generally adjacent to primary beam  206  or confined component  204 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , mating component  202  may surround at least a portion of primary beam  206  and confined component  204 . When assembled, mating component  202 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , may be located with a top  210  vertically above confined component  204 , beam  206 , and pin  208 . In some embodiments, mating component  202  includes a top  210  and a front side section  211 . Top  210  may be attached to front side section  211 . In some embodiments, front side section  211  is orthogonal to and extends vertically below top  210 . Mating component  202  defines an interior volume  213  and an opening  209 . Top  210  and front side section  211  may define interior volume  213 . Additionally or alternatively, front side section  211  may define opening  209 . In some embodiments, opening  209  may extend through front side section  211  allowing access to interior volume  213 . For instance, pin  208  may be inserted from interior volume  213  through front side section  211  at opening  209 . In some embodiments, mating component  202  selectively encases confined component  204  and primary beam  206 . Mating component  202  is constrained with beam  206  and pin  208  when housing  200  is in an original position  220 . 
     Turning generally to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , opening  209  is defined by mating component  202 . As shown, opening  209  is further defined by front panel  258 , with opening  209  allowing pin  208  to extend transversely through front panel  258  at opening  209 . 
     Pin  208  extends through opening  209 , constraining primary beam  206  in original position  220 . Additionally or alternatively, pin  208  is aligned with opening  209  to constrain confined component  204  relative to mating component  202 . In some embodiments, pin  208  extending through opening  209  further constrains confined component  204 . In certain embodiments, pin  208  extending through opening  209  further constrains skeletal support frame  212 , confined component  204 , and mating component  202  together in original position  220 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , pin  208  constrains backing panel  214  in addition to skeletal support frame  212 , confined component  204 , and mating component  202  in original position  220 . 
     When assembled, confined component  204  may be attached to or supported by mating component  202 . In some embodiments, confined component  204  may be is covered by mating component  202 . For example, when installed, confined component  204  may be below top  210  and behind front side section  211 . Confined component  204  may be located within interior volume  213 . In some embodiments, confined component  204  is removably connected to mating component  202 . For example, confined component  204  may be connected to primary beam  206  (e.g., by way of clips  216 ) and pin  208 . In particular, pin  208  may be inserted at opening  209  and may be removable therefrom. As desired (e.g., for assembly or service), confined component  204  may be removed from mating component  202  with removal of pin  208  from opening  209  of mating component  202 . 
     In certain embodiments, pin  208  or beam  206  is/are attached or give support to confined component  204 . For example, when assembled (e.g., when installed in housing  200 ), pin  208  may be inserted through opening  209  and constrained in that position by primary beam  206  or skeletal support frame  212 . Therefore, generally, pin  208  may constrain confined component  204 . Additionally or alternatively, confined component  204  may be constrained by beam  206  attached to pin  208 . Confined component  204  may be connected or attached to beam  206  or pin  208  (e.g., in combination with primary beam  206 ). When installed in housing  200 , primary beam  206  may constrain confined component  204  in housing  200 . In some embodiments, beam  206  is attached to or included with a skeletal support frame  212 . Skeletal support frame  212  may constrain, or aid in constraining, confined component  204  (e.g., in addition to the support or constraint provided by primary beam  206 ). For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , skeletal support frame  212  may support confined component  204  by being located vertically below confined component  204  within mating component  202 . Skeletal support frame  212  may extend across at least a portion of confined component  204 , constraining confined component  204  above skeletal support frame  212 . In some such embodiments, pin  208  may constrain skeletal support frame  212  as described above, and thus, pin  208  may additionally or alternatively constrain confined component  204  by such connection. 
     Separate from or in addition to the support from pin  208  or beam  206 , in some embodiments, confined component  204  in encased by mating component  202 . For instance, as shown in  FIG.  4   , confined component  204  may be internal to mating component  202 , confined below mating component top  210  and behind front side section  211 . In additional or alternative embodiments, a backing panel  214  aids mating component  202  in encasing confined component  204 , backing panel  214  indirectly constrained by pin  208 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , pin  208  is connected to skeletal support frame  212 , and skeletal support frame  212  is connected to backing panel  214  (e.g., via one or more clips  216 —described below). In turn, backing panel  214  may be indirectly constrained by pin  208 . In alternate embodiments, pin  208  and beam  206  may be integral (e.g., formed as a unitary monolith) with backing panel  214  and may directly constrain backing panel  214 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , backing panel  214  may be disposed vertically below pin  208 , skeletal support frame  212 , and confined component  204 , and may be connected to beam  206  and pin  208 , as described below. Backing panel  214  may be a bottom surface in appliance housing  200  opposite to mating component top  210 , enclosing confined component  204  therebetween. 
     Continuing with the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   , appliance housing  200  may include a backing panel  214  that is constrained within mating component  202 . In some such embodiments, beam  206  and pin  208  are attached to backing panel  214  and constrain backing panel  214  within mating component  202 . Optionally, backing panel  214  is attached to skeletal support frame  212  with a set of clips  216  on skeletal support frame  212 . Additionally or alternatively, backing panel  214  may define a set of clip openings  218 . In some embodiments, clips  216  attach skeletal support frame  212  to backing panel  214  through clip openings  218 . As skeletal support frame  212  is attached to pin  208  and backing panel  214  is attached to skeletal support frame  212 , pin  208  may constrain backing panel  214  into mating component  202 . In some embodiments, skeletal support frame  212  is attached to backing panel  214  by other methods including glue, snaps, or friction fit type attachment methods as known in the art. In the orientation shown in  FIG.  2   , backing panel  214  is vertically below confined component  204 , primary beam  206 , and pin  208 . Without being constrained by pin  208 , backing panel  214  may fall out of mating component  202  in some embodiments including the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5  through  10   , primary beam  206  is attached to pin  208 . For instance, pin  208  may be joined to primary beam  206  (e.g., as an integral unitary member therewith) and extend transversely outward or forward from primary beam  206 . In some embodiments, primary beam  206  is attached to pin  208  behind pin  208  and extends orthogonally in either direction from pin  208 . For instance, primary beam  206  may extend laterally behind front side section  211 , with pin  208  attached to or extending from a side of primary beam  206  that faces front side section  211 . In some embodiments, pin  208  attaches to a forward surface of primary beam  206 , and primary beam  206  extends (e.g., lengthwise) behind pin  208 . 
     Generally, primary beam  206  includes or is provided as a bar that extends lengthwise. The length of primary beam  206  may be flexible in a spring like fashion, thereby returning to an equilibrium or original position  220  (e.g., when not being acted upon by an outside force apart from gravity). In some embodiments, primary beam  206  includes a first fixed beam end  224  and a second fixed beam end  226 . Primary beam  206  may thus extend (e.g., laterally, or lengthwise) between first fixed beam end  224  and second fixed beam end  226 . In some embodiments, primary beam  206  is attached to or included skeletal support frame  212 . For example, primary beam  206  may attach (e.g., fixedly attach) to skeletal support frame  212  at first beam end  224  and a second beam end  226 . In certain embodiments, primary beam  206  runs along an exterior side of skeletal support frame  212 . For example, primary beam  206  may run along a transversely forward side of skeletal support frame  212 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     When assembled, primary beam  206  may be elastically movable relative to mating component  202 . For instance, primary beam  206  may flex with pin  208  during installation of beam  206  into housing  200 . In particular, primary beam  206  may be movable between an original (e.g., equilibrium) position  220  and a flexed position  222  (as shown in  FIG.  10   ). As shown in  FIG.  5   , primary beam  206  extends laterally along a transversely front end of skeletal support frame  212  in original position  220 . Additionally or alternatively, in original position  220 , pin  208  may extend transversely and orthogonally in front of primary beam  206 . 
     In flexed position  222 , primary beam  206  may extend laterally and transversely (e.g., to form a bowed arc), thereby flexing (e.g., held in a flexed state) behind pin  208 . In some embodiments, when moving from original position  220  to flexed position  222 , primary beam  206  flexes behind pin  208 , extending transversely behind and curving as pin  208  moves toward flexed position  222 . In some embodiments, flexed position  222  includes pin  208  held in or moved into a space that primary beam  206  occupies when primary beam  206  is in original position  220 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  10   , primary beam  206  is held or deflected transversely backward from original position  220  ( FIG.  5   ) when in flexed position  222 . 
     As noted above, primary beam  206  may extend (e.g., laterally) between first fixed beam end  224  and second fixed beam end  226 . The positions of first fixed beam end  224  and second fixed beam end  226  generally remain stationary (e.g., relative to skeletal support frame  212 ) when primary beam  206  is in original position  220  and when primary beam  206  is in flexed position  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, first fixed beam end  224  and second fixed beam end  226  are attached to skeletal support frame  212 . According to the arrangement, first fixed beam end  224  and second fixed beam end  226  are attached to a plurality of interconnected beams  230  (e.g., included with skeletal support frame  212 , as will be described in detail below). 
     In some embodiments, housing  200  includes skeletal support frame  212 . As shown, skeletal support frame  212  is attached to primary beam  206 . In some embodiments, skeletal support frame  212  is attached to primary beam  206  at first fixed beam end  224  and at second fixed beam end  226 . In additional or alternative embodiments, skeletal support frame  212  is disposed between mating component  202  and backing panel  214  (e.g., along the vertical direction V). During use, skeletal support frame  212  may aid primary beam  206  in constraining confined component  204  with pin  208  in mating component  202 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , skeletal support frame  212  may be vertically sandwiched between confined component  204  and backing panel  214 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , skeletal support frame  212  may be vertically below mating component  202  and confined component  204 . 
     Returning generally to  FIGS.  5  through  10   , skeletal support frame  212  includes a plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  attached to primary beam  206 . In some embodiments, plurality of perimeter beams  230  are stationary relative to primary beam  206  between flexed position  222  and original position  220 . Additionally or alternatively, skeletal support frame  212  may aid primary beam  206  in constraining confined component  204  with the use of interconnected perimeter beams  230 . As shown, pin  208  may be transversely in front of skeletal support frame  212  in original position  220 . Additionally or alternatively, in the original position, pin  208  may constrain skeletal support frame  212  (e.g., relative to mating component  202 ). 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  may form a frame supporting primary beam  206  and pin  208 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  may include first perimeter beam  232 , second perimeter beam  234 , or third perimeter beam  236 . First perimeter beam  232  may be attached to primary beam  206  (e.g., at first fixed beam end  224 ). Third perimeter beam  236  may be attached to primary beam  206  (e.g., at second fixed beam end  226 ). Second perimeter beam  235  may be attached to first perimeter beam  233  and third perimeter beam  236 . During use, interconnected perimeter beams  230  may constrain primary beam  206  and pin  208  in mating component  202  in original position  220 . In some embodiments, interconnected perimeter beams  230  are stationary relative to primary beam  206  between flexed position  222  and original position  220 . Interconnected perimeter beams  230  may aid primary beam  206  in performing a spring like action between flexed position  222  and original position  220 . In some embodiments, primary beam  206  flexes from original position  220  into flexed position  222  to install into mating component  202  and returns to original position  220  upon completion of installation, primary beam  206  constrained in mating component  202  with interconnected perimeter beams  230 . 
     In some embodiments, clips  216  are connected to interconnected perimeter beams  230 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , clips may be attached at either lateral end of second perimeter beam  234 . More or less clips in set of clips  216  than shown in  FIG.  5    may be present in different embodiments. 
     Though plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  are shown with primary beam  206  to form a trapezoid type of shape, embodiments may also have another shape, such as a rectangular shape, triangular shape, or another shape, including amorphous shapes. More or less members may be present in plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  than are shown in  FIGS.  5  through  9    in certain embodiments. Generally, plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  form a perimeter for skeletal support frame  212  and aid in constraining components as described herein. 
     Additionally or alternatively, skeletal support frame  212  may include a plurality of interior beams  240  (e.g., individual beams  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 ,  252 ,  254 ). Interior beams  240  may be internal in relation to interconnected perimeter beams  230  and primary beam  206 . In some embodiments, interior beams  240  form a grid attached to interconnected perimeter beams  230 . During use, interior beams  240  may be attached to interconnected perimeter beams  230  to constrain confined component  204 , skeletal support frame  212 , and mating component  202 . In certain embodiments, interior beams  240 , such as interior beams  244 ,  250  may attach to primary beam  206 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , interior beams  240  may include a plurality of individual beams (e.g., beams  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 ,  252 ,  254 ). Individual beams included in plurality of interior beams  240  may be straight members or bent members with different geometries, including “T,” “C,” and “V” shaped members. The shape of individual members in plurality of interior beams  240  may be different for different embodiments. In some embodiments, interior beams  240  support primary beam  206  in having a spring action during movement between original position  220  and flexed position  222 . In some embodiments, interior beams  240  are in a flexed arrangement with primary beam  206  within skeletal support frame  212  when primary beam  206  is in flexed position  222 . Additionally or alternatively, interior beams  240  may aid in constraining pin  208  within opening  209 . Interior beams  240  may add support pressure to primary beam  206 , constraining pin  208  in opening  209  when pin  208  is installed within mating component  202 . 
     Although interior beams  240  are shown in  FIGS.  5  through  9    with a specific geometry, alternate geometries of interior beams  240  may be useful in alternate embodiments to aid in spring-type movement of primary beam  206  and to constrain pin  208  in opening  209  when pin is installed in appliance housing  200 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, plurality of interior beams  240  may include one or more mutually orthogonal beams. For example, interior beam  252  is orthogonal to interior beam  254  in  FIG.  5   . In some embodiments, one or more interior beams of plurality of interior beams  240  are roughly orthogonal to primary beam  206 . For example, interior beam  252  is orthogonal to primary beam  206  and to interior beam  254 . Similarly, for example, interior beam  244  is orthogonal to primary beam  206  and to interior beam  246 . In turn, beam  250  is orthogonal to primary beam  206  and to interior beam  242 . In some embodiments, one or more interior beams  240  of plurality of interior beams  240  are roughly orthogonal to primary beam  206 . In certain embodiments, plurality of interior beams  240  includes two or more mutually orthogonal beams. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , skeletal support frame  212  defines a deformation void  256  behind primary beam  206 . Generally, deformation void  256  is directly behind pin  208 . In the illustrated embodiments, deformation void  256  is transversely behind pin  208 . Additionally or alternatively, deformation void  256  is directly behind opening  209  defined on mating component  202  (e.g., when pin  208  is installed therein). In some embodiments, when in flexed position  222 , primary beam  206  is rearward from original position  220  toward deformation void  256 . In certain embodiments, when in flexed position  222 , pin  208  is also rearward from original position  220  toward deformation void  256 . For instance, pin  208  may be flexed in a transversely rearward position relative to original position  220  when in flexed position  222 , and deformation void  256  may be squeezed or have a smaller volume when in flexed position  222  as a result of primary beam  206  and pin  208  flexing backwards from original position  220  to flexed position  222 . 
     In some embodiments, skeletal support frame  212 , primary beam  206  and pin  208  are aligned within a plane having two directions. As shown in  FIG.  5   , alignment within a plane includes a rough alignment in the transverse and lateral directions. In some embodiments, alignment within a plane includes alignment in two directions (for example transverse and lateral directions) within a vertical space VL defined by a vertical height of interconnected perimeter beams. Minor vertical inconsistencies, such as those seen with interior beams  242  and  246  are included within the concept of “alignment within a plane” as described herein. 
     As previously described, pin  208  is attached to primary beam  206  to move therewith between flexed position  222  and original position  220 . As shown, pin  208  is located in front of primary beam  206 . Generally, when installed, pin  208  is located through opening  209 , and in front of a front panel  258  of mating component  202 . In some embodiments, pin  208  is further located in front of skeletal support frame  212 , confined component  204  and backing panel  214 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 ,  7 , and  8   , pin  208  includes a base end  260  and an outer end  262 . In some embodiments, pin  208  further includes a taper  264 . Pin  208  extends from base end  260  proximal to primary beam  206  and outer end  262  distal to primary beam  206 . In some embodiments, taper  264  on pin  208  extends from base end  260  to outer end  262 , such that outer end  262  is smaller than base end  260 . For instance, outer end  262  of pin  208  is smaller in a cross-sectional space having lateral and vertical direction when compared to base end  260  in a similar cross-sectional space having lateral and vertical direction, as shown in  FIG.  8   . In some embodiments, taper  264  runs along an upper portion of pin  208  (i.e., taper  264  extends from outer end  262  towards base end  260  along a portion of pin  208  that faces vertically upward). Thus, taper  264  is generally visible in the top view of  FIG.  6    and not visible in the bottom view of skeletal support frame  212  shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     Additionally or alternatively, pin  208  and primary beam  206  may be a unitary component of appliance  100 . In some embodiments, skeletal support frame  212  is also unitary with primary beam  206  and pin  208 . In certain embodiments, plurality of interconnected perimeter beams  230  and plurality of interior beams  240  are unitary with pin  208  and beam  206 . Unitary elements attached to pin  208  and including pin  208 , may be made of a slightly flexible material, such as plastics, or of equivalent materials as known in the art. Beam  206  and pin  208  may be made of materials that allow beam  206  to flex between original position  220  and flexed position  222  and also constrain confined component  204  within mating component  202  when installed in appliance housing  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , pin  208  includes a tapered side  270  and an untapered side  272 . In some embodiments, tapered side  270  is directed upward to engage mating component  202  before untapered side  272  of pin  208  during installation. As such, tapered side  270  is aligned to face towards opening  209  when pin  208  and beam  206  are in flexed position  222 . In the embodiments shown in  FIG.  5   , tapered side  270  faces vertically upward, and untapered side  272  faces vertically downward. In some embodiments, with pin  208  installed in mating component  202  and extended through opening  209 , tapered side  270  faces away from backing panel  214 . In additional or alternate embodiments, tapered side  270  may face a different way (such as vertically downward, or to a lateral side), with tapered side  270  aligned to face toward opening  209  during assembly of pin  208  into opening  209 . 
     Generally,  FIG.  10    shows skeletal support frame  212  with primary beam  206  and pin  208 , in original position  220  with flexed position  222  shown as an alternate position (dashed lines). Other figures, (e.g.,  FIGS.  3  through  9   ) depict modular housing  200  or a subset of modular housing  200  in original position  220 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , movement between flexed position  222  and original position  220  includes movement by pin  208  and primary beam  206 . Primary beam  206  is flexible to allow pin  208  to move inward in a first direction (e.g., transversely) from original position  220  to flexed position  222 . Thus, primary beam  206  and pin  208  have a spring like movement between original position  220  and flexed position  222 . Furthermore, primary beam  206  is flexible to allow pin to move inward in a first direction to flexed position  222  and return outward in a direction opposite to the first direction to original position  220 . For example, when primary beam  206  is uninstalled in appliance housing  200 , primary beam  206  may be in original position  220  (as shown in  FIG.  5   ). During installation, primary beam  206  may flex to allow pin  208  to move inward in a first direction (e.g., transversely inward towards rear side  112  of appliance  100 ) from original position  220  to flexed position  222 . In flexed position  222 , primary beam  206  may be in a position that is flexed backwards relative to original position  220  of primary beam  206  (e.g., toward deformation void  256 ). In some embodiments, pin  208  in flexed position  222  can be positioned backwards such that pin  208  in flexed position  222  occupies the same general area of beam  206  when beam  206  is in original position  220 . Once pin  208  is inserted through opening  209 , pin  208  and beam  206  spring back from flexed position  222  to original position  220 . Insertion of pin  208  through opening  209  may complete installation of pin  208  and primary beam  206  in housing  200 . Additionally or alternatively, when pin  208  extends through opening  209 , primary beam  206  flexes to allow pin  208  to return outward in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., transversely towards front side  111  of appliance  100 ) to original position  220 , completing installation of pin  208  into housing  200 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.