Patent Publication Number: US-2023148133-A1

Title: Domestic appliance and one-piece modular housing therefor

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to manufactured parts, and more particularly to modular parts for housing one or more components on an appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In manufacturing, modular parts may be useful to aid in production. Furthermore, circuit boards may be used in many manufacturing applications. Circuit boards may benefit from an added layer of protection, or from a stabilizing location within the manufactured piece they are placed into. For example, circuit boards may be placed in appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, ranges, and the like. Such circuit boards are often placed in a cabinet of the appliance, but the location of a circuit board can vary widely, and what it is connected to within the manufactured piece can also vary widely. A housing for the circuitry may provide a level of stability or some protection from outside elements. Circuitry can be fragile in that it may malfunction when jostled or wet, so a secure place away from interference may be beneficial. 
     Using a modular housing for circuitry provides many of the benefits mentioned above. Modular housing may need to be attached to a wall within a manufactured piece with a screw, a flat rail, a curved rail, or another position. Different modular housings are built with different attachment systems in order to accommodate where they will be placed within the manufactured piece. Therefore, many different types of modular housings may be required for different applications, resulting in increased costs or assembly time for manufacturers of multiple different appliances. 
     Accordingly, a modular housing that was able to attach to more than one type of securing place on a manufactured piece would be useful. For example, an appliance built with a modular housing that could be attached in multiple places within that appliance may 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, a modular housing is provided. The modular housing may have a lateral vertical and transverse direction. The modular housing may include a compartment body, and a compartment door. The compartment body may define a compartment volume for holding circuitry therein. The compartment body may include a bottom section and a set of side sections extending nonparallelly from the bottom section. The set of side sections may include a first side section, a second side section, and a third side section. The compartment door may be attached to the compartment body to selectively cover the compartment volume. The modular housing may further include a tube mount, a flat mount, and a screw extension. The tube mount may be curved to accept a circular tube. The tube mount may extend from the first side section. The flat mount may be configured to accept a flat rail. The flat mount may extend from the third side section. The screw extension may define a screw hole to accept a screw. The screw extension may extend from the second side section in the set of side sections. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance is provided. The appliance may have a lateral, vertical and transverse direction. The appliance may include a circuit board, a beam and a modular housing. The modular housing may encase the circuit board and may be attached to the beam. The modular housing may include a compartment body, and a compartment door. The compartment body may define a compartment volume. The compartment volume may house the circuit board therein. The compartment body may include a bottom section and a set of side sections extending nonparallelly from the bottom section. The bottom section and the set of side sections may define the compartment volume. The set of side sections may include a first side section, a second side section, and a third side section. The compartment door may be attached to the compartment body to selectively cover the compartment volume. The modular housing may further include a tube mount, a flat mount, and a screw extension. The tube mount may be curved to accept a round rail. The tube mount may extend from the first side section. The flat mount may be configured to accept a flat rail. The flat mount may extend from the third side section. The screw extension may define a screw hole to accept a screw. The screw extension may extend from the second side section in the set of side sections. 
     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 exemplary embodiment of an appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    provides a side, cross sectional view of the appliance of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    provides a front, open view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular housing of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    provides a side, open view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    provides an alternate side, open view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    provides a back, open view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    provides a perspective, open view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    provides a side, open view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9    provides an alternate side, open view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  10    provides a perspective, closed view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  11    provides a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3    attached to a round rail; 
         FIG.  12    provides a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3    attached to a flat rail; and 
         FIG.  13    provides a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the modular housing of  FIG.  3    attached with a screw. 
     
    
    
     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 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. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. 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, may be 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 “generally,” “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, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a  10  percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V). 
     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 “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. Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance  100  that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 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 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  FIG.  2   , 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 lower rack assembly  122 , a middle rack assembly  124 , and an upper rack assembly  126 . As illustrated, upper 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 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. According to another exemplary embodiment, a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly  122 , for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small 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 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 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 upper rack assembly  126 . Additionally, an upper spray assembly  142  may be located above upper rack assembly  126  along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly  142  may be configured for urging or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies  122 ,  124 , and  126 . As further illustrated in  FIG.  2   , upper rack assembly  126  may further define an integral spray manifold  144 , which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly  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 one or more spray assemblies, e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly  140  and upper spray assembly  142 . 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. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit  154  could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly  140  and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly  142 . Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance  100 . 
     Each spray arm assembly  134 ,  140 ,  142 , integral spray manifold  144 , 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 arm 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. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies  134 ,  140 ,  142  and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents 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  100 . 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 arm 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 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 counter-clockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supply mid-level or upper spray assemblies  140 ,  142 , i.e., such as primary supply conduit  154 . 
     The dishwasher  100  is further equipped with a controller  160  to regulate operation of the dishwasher  100 . The 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 buses. 
     Controller  160  may be in operative communication with a circuit board  204 , located below tub  104  and internal to a modular housing  200 . Circuit board  204  may direct electrical signals throughout dishwasher appliance  100  upon receipt of operative directions from controller  160 . In some embodiments, circuit board  204  may direct electrical signals to only a part of dishwasher appliance  100 , with at least a second circuit board (not shown) directing electrical signals to other elements of dishwasher appliance  100 , at the direction of controller  160 . 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a cloud-server that may include a database or may be, e.g., a cloud-based data storage system and may also include image recognition and processing capabilities including artificial intelligence as further described below. For example, appliance  100  may communicate with cloud-server over the Internet, and appliance  100  may access via WI-FI®, such as from a WI-FI® access point in a user&#39;s home or through a mobile device. Alternatively, dishwasher appliance  100  may be equipped with such image recognition and processing capabilities as part of controller  160  or other components onboard appliance  100 . 
     While dishwasher  100  is shown, it should be appreciated that the invention 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 bar and a circuit with housing may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     For the remainder of the description, and as shown in  FIGS.  3  through  13   , directions, including lateral, transverse, and vertical directions, will herein after be given in relation to a modular housing  200 , which is shown in an exemplary position in dishwasher  100  in  FIG.  2    as attached along beam  202 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , lateral, vertical and transverse directions are hereinafter defined by modular housing  200 . The alignment of these directions as defined by modular housing  200 , may align with or be parallel to the exemplary position of modular 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 modular housing  200  in dishwasher  100  is shown in  FIG.  2    for exemplary purposes and for ease in defining directions only; modular 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. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , in some embodiments, modular housing  200  is located below tub  104 , on a beam  202  that extends transversely across dishwasher  100 . In some embodiments, beam  202  is a circular tube. In certain embodiments, beam  202  is a flat rail. In certain other embodiments, beam  202  is an element of appliance  100  that defines a screw hole. According to the arrangement, which will be described in more detail below, modular housing  200  may be attached to beam  202  in any of the above embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, modular housing  200  encases circuit board  204 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  3  through  7   , modular housing  200  includes a compartment body  210 , a compartment door  212  attached to compartment body  210 . Compartment body  210  included in modular housing  200  defines a compartment volume  206  within compartment body  210 . In some embodiments, modular housing  200  further includes a tube mount  214  and a flat mount  216 . In certain embodiments, modular housing  200  may further include a screw extension  218 . Additionally or alternatively, modular housing  200  includes a connector hole  260  (e.g., defined through compartment door  212 ). Optionally, connector hole  260  may allow a connector harness (not shown) to pass through compartment door  212  at connector hole  260  and into compartment volume  206 . 
     In optional embodiments, modular housing  200  can serve as a protection for circuitry, such as circuit board  204 . Thus, compartment body  210  may hold circuitry (e.g., circuit board  204 ) within compartment volume  206 . In other words, compartment body  210 , along with compartment door  212  may be designed to house circuity such as circuit board  204 . In some embodiments, compartment body  210  houses one or more other portions of appliance  100  that would benefit from a level of protection, such as a controller  160 , a camera (not shown), or any other part of appliance  100  that would benefit from being placed in a compartment body  210  of a modular housing  200 . 
     Modular housing  200  may also attach to a variety of beams, tubes, rails, or places within an appliance, such as dishwasher appliance  100 , which may make modular housing  200  useful in a variety of locations within appliance  100 . In some embodiments, it may be useful to include more than one modular housing  200  to cover more than one circuitry, if more than one circuitry is included in appliance  100 . 
     As shown, compartment body  210  defines compartment volume  206 . In some embodiments, circuit board  204  is disposed therein (see  FIG.  2   ). Compartment body  210  is connected to compartment door  212 . In some embodiments, compartment body  210  is connected to compartment door by way of a resilient pleat  220  extending between compartment door  212  and compartment body  210 . 
     Compartment body  210  includes a bottom section  222  and a set of side sections, (e.g., sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 ). The set of side sections each extend nonparallelly from bottom section  222  (i.e., such that each side section is nonparallel to the bottom section  222 ). In some embodiments, compartment body  210  includes a first side section  224 , a second side section  226 , and a third side section  228  in the set of side sections. In certain embodiments, compartment body  210  includes a fourth side section  230  in the set of side sections. 
     As shown, compartment body  210  and compartment door  212  may generally form an enclosure with bottom section  222  and side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230 . For instance, compartment body  210  and compartment door  212  may form a box (e.g., shaped as a rectangular prism). Nonetheless, it is understood that any suitable shape may be provided or formed. Generally, compartment body  210  may be a three-dimensional shape as desired to house components (e.g. circuitry or circuit board  204 ) of appliance  100  within appliance  100 . Optionally, compartment body  210  may connect smoothly or seamlessly from bottom section  222  to side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 , or fourth side section  230 . In the illustrated embodiments, compartment body  210  forms a corner where bottom section meets each side section  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230 . 
     As shown especially in  FIGS.  3  and  7   , bottom section  222  is located on a lateral end of modular housing  200 . In some embodiments, bottom section  222  is orthogonal with the set of side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228  and  230 . Each side section may extend nonparallelly from an edge of bottom section  222 . For example, first section  224  extends orthogonal to a vertical edge of bottom section  222  in  FIGS.  3  and  7   . Bottom section  222  further defines lateral end of compartment volume  206 . In some embodiments, bottom section  222  is a planar section, being relatively flat (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L or transverse direction T), as shown in  FIGS.  3  through  7   . In alternative embodiments, bottom section  222  is curved, such as a concave curve or rounded (not shown). 
     Returning to  FIGS.  3  through  7   , first side section  224  is attached to bottom section  222  and extends from bottom section  222 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , first side section  224  extends laterally outward and roughly perpendicular to bottom section  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, first side section  224  extends in the transverse direction T, and is attached to second side section  226  on a transverse edge  232  of first side section  224 . In turn, first side section  224  is attached to fourth side section  230  on an opposite transverse edge  234  of first side section  224 . 
     As shown, second side section  226  may extend vertically along a transverse edge of bottom section  222 . Second side section  226  may extend laterally outward and roughly perpendicular to bottom section  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, second section  226  is also perpendicular to first section  224 . Second section is attached to first section  224  as described above. Second section  226  is attached to third section  228  at and a lower vertical edge  236  of second section  226 . 
     Similarly, third side section  228  may extend transversely along a vertical lower edge of bottom section  222 . Third side section  228  may extend laterally outward and roughly perpendicular to bottom section  222  and to second section  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, third section  228  is roughly parallel with first section  224 . Third section  228  is attached to second section  226  as described above and to fourth section  230  at a lower transverse edge  238 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, fourth section  230  may extend transversely along a transverse edge of bottom section  222 , this transverse edge of bottom section  222  opposite to the transverse edge of bottom section  222  that second section  226  is attached to. Fourth section  230  may extend laterally outward and roughly perpendicular to bottom section  222 , first section  224 , and third section  228 . As shown, fourth section  230  is roughly parallel with second section  226 . Fourth section  230  is attached to third section  228  at lower transverse edge  238  and to first section  224  at transverse edge  232 . 
     Modular housing  200  has an open position  240  and a closed position  242 . In open position, and as shown in  FIGS.  3  through  7   , compartment door  212  is transversely adjacent to compartment body  210  and is attached to compartment body  210  by way of resilient pleat  220 . In closed position, and as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  8  through  13   , compartment door  212  is laterally aligned with compartment body  210 . In some embodiments, compartment door  212  is laterally aligned with bottom section  222  of compartment body  210  when in closed position  242 . Compartment door  212  may be sized to overlap a portion of the set of side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230  on compartment body  210  when modular housing  200  is in closed position  242 . 
       FIG.  3    shows modular housing  200  in open position  240 .  FIG.  8    shows modular housing  200  in closed position  242 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , compartment door  212  allows modular housing  200  to accept an article for housing, such as circuit board  204 , when modular housing  200  is in open position  240 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , compartment door  212  allows modular housing  200  to encase the article for housing, such as circuit board  204 , when modular housing  200  is in closed position  242 . In closed position  242 , compartment door  212  selectively covers compartment volume  206 . In some embodiments, compartment door  212  overlaps a portion of each of sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230  in the set of side sections of compartment body  210 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  8   , compartment door  212  is attached to resilient pleat  220 . In some embodiments, resilient pleat  220  folds over on itself between open position  240  and closed position  242 . During use, resilient pleat  220  may allow compartment door  212  to remain attached to compartment body  210  during movement between open position  240  and closed position  242 . 
     In some embodiments, compartment door  212  includes a peripheral rim  244 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4  and  5   , peripheral rim  244  is attached to resilient pleat  220 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , when modular housing  200  is in closed position  242 , peripheral rim  244  is coplanar with fourth side section  230 . As would be understood, peripheral rim  244  is aligned along lateral direction L when modular housing  200  is in closed position  242 . In some embodiments, peripheral rim  244  overlaps a recessed portion  246  of fourth section  230  when in closed position  242 . 
     Resilient pleat  220  is bendably secured to compartment door  212  and to compartment body  210 . In some embodiments, resilient pleat  220  extends between compartment door  212  and compartment body  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, resilient pleat  220  extends from fourth side section  230  to peripheral rim  244 . Additionally or alternatively, resilient pleat  220  moves with compartment door  212  relative to compartment body  210  between open position  240  and closed position  242 . For instance, as shown in  FIG.  8   , resilient pleat  220  may bend over itself transversely in closed position  242 . In turn, as shown in  FIG.  7   , resilient pleat  220  may open out flat transversely in open position  240 . In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , resilient pleat  220  decreases in thickness at a central portion  248  of resilient pleat  220 . For instance, the thickness of central portion  248  may decrease relative to a thickness of outer portions  249  of resilient pleat  220 . Thicknesses of resilient pleat  220  as used herein are referring to thicknesses in the transverse direction T when compartment door is in the open position  240 . In some embodiments, reduced thickness in central portion  248  aids in allowing resilient pleat  220  to fold as compartment door  212  moves between open position  240  and closed position  242 . 
     In some embodiments, compartment door  212  is selectively held in friction fit engagement with compartment body  210  in closed position  242 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , peripheral rim  244  may extend forming a door rim  250  around all sides of compartment door  212 . Correspondingly, recessed portion  246  of forth section  230  may also be continued with recessed portions  252  for the remaining three side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , in closed position  242 , door rim  250  and peripheral rim  244 , may cover recessed portions  246 ,  252  side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230  of compartment door  212 . In some embodiments, this overlap may hold compartment door  212  in friction fit engagement with compartment body  210  in closed position  242 . 
     In some embodiments, a fastener  254  aids in holding compartment door  212  in closed position  242  against compartment body  210 . Fastener  254  may attach into a fastening void  256  defined by a side section (e.g., second side section  226 ). Fastening void  256  may be directed to allow a portion of fastener  254  to pass through fastening void  256  when in closed position  242 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . In some embodiments, fastening void  256  is adjacent to screw extension  218 . In certain embodiments, screw extension  218  extends further out transversely from compartment body  210  as compared to the transverse position of fastening void  256 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, fastener  254  may include clip  258 . Clip  258  may secure compartment door  212  in closed position  242  (e.g., by passing through fastening void  256 ). In some embodiments, clip  258  creates a friction fit engagement with second side section  226  at fastening void  256 . In certain embodiments, clip  258  may be flexed to disengage from fastening void  256 , allowing modular housing  200  to return to open position  240 . 
     In some embodiments, fastener  254  may be any fastening mechanism including snaps, clips, or other removably attaching elements to hold compartment door  212  in closed position  242 , as known in the art. 
     In some alternate embodiments, and as shown in  FIG.  2   , modular housing  200  may include circuit board  204 . According to the arrangement, circuit board  204  may be held within compartment volume  206 . Additionally or alternatively, circuit board  204  may be surrounded by compartment body  210 . When modular housing  200  is in closed position  242 , circuit board  204  may be further surrounded by compartment door  212 . 
     Circuit board  204  may be connected to a connector harness (not shown). Connector harness may extend from circuit board  204 , through a connector hole  260 , and extend out of modular housing  200 . Connector hole  260  is defined through compartment door  212 . In some embodiments, connector hole  260  is in fluid communication with compartment volume  206  when compartment door  212  is in closed position  242 . As would be understood, connector hole  260  allows the connector harness (not shown) to pass through compartment door  212  and into compartment volume  206 . 
     As described above, modular housing  200  may be attached to beam  202 . Beam  202  may be a tube, a flat rail, or an element on appliance  100  defining a screw hole. Generally, modular housing  200  attaches to beam  202  with tube mount  214  if beam  202  is a tube (as shown in  FIG.  11   ), with flat mount  216  if beam  202  is a flat rail (as shown in  FIG.  12   ), or with screw extension  218  if beam  202  is an element defining a screw hole (as shown in  FIG.  13   ). As shown in  FIG.  2   , in some embodiments, beam  202  is located under tub  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, beam  202  may be located within cabinet  102  in any location or position relative to the lateral direction L, transverse direction T, or vertical direction V (e.g., depending on the space limitations or needs of each such embodiment). Each of the mountings, tube mount  214 , flat mount  216 , and screw extension  218  on modular housing  200  will now be described in more detail. 
     Turning to  FIG.  11   , tube mount  214  may extend from first side section  224 . As shown, tube mount  214  may extend vertically upwards from first side section  224 . Tube mount  214 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , is aligned to allow beam  202  to extend transversely through tube mount  214  when beam  202  is a round rail or tube. During use, tube mount  214  attaches modular housing  200  to a round rail or tube, such as tube  270  (also called circular tube  270  or round rail  270  herein) in  FIG.  11   . 
     Tube mount  214  includes a snap  266  curved to accept a round rail or tube  270 . Tube mount  214  further includes a first curved foot  262  and a second curved foot  264 . In some embodiments, first curved foot  262  and second curved foot  264  comprise snap  266 . First curved foot  262  curves laterally opposite to curve of second curved foot  264 . First curved foot  262  is spaced apart from second curved foot  264  in cooperative alignment therewith to snap around circular tube  270 . In some embodiments, tube mount  214  includes a third curved foot  268 . Third curved foot  268  extends from first side section  224 , transversely offset from first curved foot  262  and second curved foot  264 . 
     First curved foot  262  may be offset laterally or transversely from second curved foot  264  on first side section  224 . For instance, first curved foot  262  may be laterally spaced apart from second curved foot  264 . In some embodiments, first curved foot  262  is transversely parallel to third curved foot  268 , with third curved foot  268  laterally in line with first curved foot  262 . Additionally or alternatively, first curved foot  262  and third curved foot  268  may be offset adjacent to opposing transverse sides of second curved foot  264 . In the illustrated embodiment, second curved foot  264  curves laterally in a curve that curves toward a lateral edge of modular housing  200 , and first curved foot  262  curves laterally in a curve that curves opposite to curve of second curved foot  264 , toward an opposing lateral edge of modular housing  200 . In some embodiments, third curved foot  268  curves in the same direction as first curved foot  262 . Generally, curves of first, second, and third curved feet  262 ,  264 ,  268  are aligned to accept a tube or round rail. During use, first and second curved feet  262 ,  264  may snap around tube  270  with tube  270  extending between first curved foot  262  and second curved foot  264 . In some embodiments, during use, third curved foot  268  may also snap around tube  270 , with tube  270  extending between first and third curved feet  262 ,  268 , and second curved foot  264 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     In some embodiments, a curve of the first curved foot  262  and a curve of the third curved foot  268  are concave and face the second curved foot  264  and the second curved foot  264  is concave on a surface that faces the first curved foot  262  and the third curved foot  268 . In additional or alternate embodiments, first, second, and third curved feet  262 ,  264 ,  268  are configured to accept round rail  270 , snapping into place on round rail  270  with round rail  270  aligned transversely lengthwise in between the second curved foot  264  and the first curved foot  262  and third curved foot  268 . 
     Turning  FIGS.  4  and  12   , flat mount  216  may extend from third side section  228 . It is noted that in  FIG.  12   , modular housing is upside down vertically from its orientation in  FIG.  11   . Generally, and as seen in  FIG.  4   , flat mount  216  may extend vertically downward from third side section  228  or may otherwise be attached to third side section  228 . 
     In some embodiments flat mount  216  includes a snap  276  configured to accept a flat rail  780 . Additionally or alternatively, flat mount  216  includes a first leg  272 , a second leg  278  and a pin leg  274 . In some embodiments, first leg  272  and second leg  278  are laterally aligned and transversely offset from one another. As shown in  FIG.  5   , first leg  272  may be parallel to second leg  278 . In some embodiments, first leg  272  may align parallel to second leg  278  in the lateral direction L. Each leg  274 ,  278  may be at separate discrete positions extending from third side section  228 . Also as shown in  FIG.  5   , pin leg  274  is offset from first leg  272  and second leg  278 . In certain embodiments, pin leg  274  is laterally offset from first and second legs  272 ,  278  and is transversely in between first and second legs  272 ,  278 . 
     As shown especially in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , pin leg  74  may include a pin bump  282 . Pin bump  282  generally extends (e.g., laterally) outward from pin leg  274 . In some embodiments, pin bump  282  may be aligned to be received within a pin hole in flat rail  280 . Pin bump  282  is aligned to fit into a pin hole (not shown) in flat rail  280 , snapping modular housing  200  onto flat rail  280  with the use of flat mount  216 . First and second legs  272 ,  278  aid pin leg  274  and pin bump  282  in attaching modular housing  200  to flat rail  280  (e.g., by . . . [describe how they aid]), as shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     Returning to  FIG.  4   , pin leg  274  may have an inner pin leg  286  and an outer pin leg  288 . In some embodiments, inner pin leg  286  includes pin bump  282  on an outer end  287  of inner pin leg  286 . Inner pin leg  286  extends laterally from third side section  228 . In some embodiments, outer end  287  of inner pin leg  286  includes pin bump  282 . As shown, outer pin leg  288  extends laterally from third side section  228  on either transverse side of inner pin leg  286 , extending vertically beyond pin bump  282 . Additionally or alternatively, outer pin leg  288  surrounds pin bump  282  and inner pin leg  286  in the vertical and transverse directions V and T. In certain embodiments, outer pin leg  288  is aligned transversely with inner pin leg  286 . 
     During use, flat mount  216  can accept a flat rail  280 , attaching modular housing  200  to flat rail  280 . For instance, flat mount  216  may mount to beam  202  when beam  202  is a flat rail (not shown). Pin bump  282  attaches to flat rail  280  through pin hole (not shown) defined by flat rail  280 . Though pin hole is not shown in  FIG.  12   , pin hole may generally be understood to be defined by flat rail  280  at discrete location of pin bump  282  such that pin bump  282  extends into pin hole, attaching modular housing  200  to flat rail  280 , as shown. In some embodiments, pin bump  282  extends through pin hole, as would be understood in  FIG.  12   , attaching modular housing  200  to flat rail  280 . 
     During use, outer pin leg  288  may attach to flat rail  280 . In some embodiments, a combination of friction and pressure from outer pin leg  288 , inner pin leg  286  with pin bump  282  attaching to flat rail  280  through pin hole, first leg  272 , and second leg  278  attach modular housing  200  to flat rail  280 . 
     Turning generally to  FIG.  13   , screw extension  218  may extend from second side section  226  in the set of side sections. In some embodiments, screw extension extends transversely outward from second side section  226  on modular housing  200 . 
     Screw extension  218  defines a screw hole  284 . In some embodiments, screw hole  284  extends laterally through screw extension  218 . As shown in FIG. 7 , screw hole  284  may be supported by a screw hole ridge  285  surrounding screw hole  284 . Screw hole ridge  285  may be an outer transverse edge of modular housing  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  13   , screw hole  284  is defined by screw extension  218 . During use, screw hole  284  may accept a screw  290 , as shown. For instance, screw  290  extends through screw hole  284  and into a secondary screw hole (not shown) defined by an element  292 , modular housing  200  attached to element  292  by use of screw extension  218  and screw  290 . Additionally or alternatively, screw hole  284  may be sized to accept screw  290  to attach modular housing  200  to element  292 . Element  292  may define secondary screw hole (not shown), secondary screw hole corresponding to screw hole  284 . Generally, secondary screw hole may be sized similarly to screw hole  284 . Similar sizing of screw hole  284  and secondary screw hole may allow screw  290  to affix to screw hole  284  and to secondary screw hole. 
     During use, screw extension  218  may be attached by screw  290  to element  292  with a secondary screw hole (not shown), as shown in  FIG.  13   . Though secondary screw hole is not shown in  FIG.  13   , the secondary screw hole may be understood to be defined on element  292  directly behind screw  290 . An alternate location to attach modular housing  200  to element  292  is shown by alternate secondary screw hole  294 , which is also defined by element  292 , and represents an alternate position on element  292  that modular housing  200  can attach to using screw extension  218 . As would be understood, alternate secondary screw hole  294  is sized similarly to screw hole  284  to allow screw  290  to attach to element  292 . Similar sizing of alternate secondary screw hole  294  and screw hole  284  may allow screw  290  to affix to screw hole  284  and to alternate secondary screw hole  294 . 
     In additional or alternate embodiments, modular housing  200  may include only two types of mounts, such as tube mount  214  and flat mount  216 . In some embodiments, tube mount  214 , flat mount  216  or screw extension  218  may be attached or extend from alternate sides of compartment body  210 . For example, tube mount  214  may extend from second side section  226  in some embodiments, with flat mount  216  extending from first side section  224 . In certain embodiments, screw extension  218  may extend from first side section  224 , second side section  226 , third side section  228 , or fourth side section  230 , depending on the needs of the embodiment. Generally, one of tube mount  214 , flat mount  216  and screw extension  218  extends from a side section (e.g., first, second, third, or fourth side sections  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230 ) in the set of side sections. 
     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.