Vertically Adjustable Oven Rack Assembly With Multi-Point Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oven appliances have limited vertical adjustability of racks, making it cumbersome for users to accommodate items of different sizes and weights, and often restrict the number of adjustable positions and load capacity.
Innovation Solution
The appliance features a vertically adjustable rack system with primary and secondary rack gears, slides, and positioning cars with latch mechanisms, allowing multiple vertical positions and increased load capacity by enabling sliding movement along the vertical direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stamped metal protrusions are used for rack positioning, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the number of vertical levels is limited and adjustability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are divided into multiple discrete positioning locations along the vertical direction, each with engagement features. This segmentation allows the rack to be positioned at multiple distinct vertical levels while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If fixed stamped metal protrusions are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the rack removal and reinstallation becomes cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features between rack and side walls are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. The rack can be easily inserted and removed from the positioning locations, allowing users to adjust vertical positions with simple actions while the structure remains manufacturable using conventional stamping processes.
3Strength
If conventional rack support structures are used, then the structure is simple, but the load capacity and weight support are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support functions are merged into the side wall structure. The side walls provide both structural support and multiple positioning locations through integrated engagement features. This combining of support and positioning functions increases load capacity while avoiding the need for separate complex support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes the vertical dimension extensively by providing multiple positioning locations along the vertical direction. This dimensional approach allows the rack to be supported at various heights while the side walls maintain their structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided having one or more racks or shelves the position of which may be adjusted vertically. Multiple different positions along the vertical direction can be made available for selection by a user of the appliance. The rack can also be supported from multiple locations to increase its load capacity.