Crockery Basket Pivoting Holder With Easy-Release Locking Bar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dish rack designs with pivoting contact elements are difficult to use, particularly in holding mechanisms that stabilize the contact elements in the standing position.

Innovation Solution

A holding mechanism with a vertically displacing bolt on the side wall of the crockery basket, featuring a catch that can be released by lifting the bolt, assisted by a return spring for secure locking and an easily graspable handle for user operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a holding mechanism with anchor and catch is provided to stabilize the contact element in the standing position, then the stability of the contact element is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult release mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of contact elementVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is inverted by allowing the bolt to be pulled upward by the user to release the anchor, rather than requiring complex manual manipulation of traditional latch mechanisms. The spring automatically returns the bolt to the locked position, making the release operation simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded bolt mechanism provides automatic return to the locked position after release, eliminating the need for additional components or complex operations to reset the holding mechanism. The system serves itself by automatically re-engaging the anchor when the bolt is released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a traditional holding mechanism is used to secure the contact element, then the reliability of the locking is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of lockingVSAvoidcomplexity of holding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex traditional latch mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple spring-loaded bolt that can be pulled upward to release the anchor. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains reliable locking while dramatically simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding mechanism transitions from a static, multi-component latch system to a dynamic spring-loaded bolt system where the spring constant and bolt geometry are optimized to provide sufficient holding force while enabling easy release through simple upward motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution simplifies the operation of the contact elements, allowing intuitive and secure positioning of bulky items while minimizing the risk of unintentional release, with low operating forces and precise control.

Implementation Method 1

the retaining mechanism comprises a return spring and the latch can be lifted with deformation of the return spring, i.e. against the force of the return spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2184002B1Crockery basket with pivoting assembly element and holding mechanism for the assembly element
Publication Date: 2012.05.30 V-ZUG AG
  • EP2184002B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The basket has bearing elements (8, 9) pivoted between two positions, and a holding mechanism (14) retaining around the bearing elements in one of the positions. An anchor (13) is arranged at the bearing elements, where the anchor is retained in the position by the holding mechanism with a vertically movable locking bar (16) that is arranged and raised in a side wall of the basket. The bar is raised by the deformation of a return spring that is made up of plastic. The anchor is retained in the position of the bearing elements by a separator (22) of the bar, and is released by the bar.