Cutlery rack, dishwasher and method for washing cutlery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutlery racks in dishwashers are complicated to install and do not provide a simple and effective way to wash cutlery, as they require additional spray assemblies within the wash chamber.

Innovation Solution

A cutlery rack with a built-in spraying device featuring a deflector that redirects fluid from the nozzle, eliminating the need for an additional spray assembly, and incorporating a support structure with a docking port and cutlery inserts for efficient fluid distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional spray assembly is added within the wash chamber to spray fluid to the cutlery rack, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spray function directly into the cutlery rack by integrating a nozzle and deflector assembly into the rack structure itself. The cutlery rack now includes a fluid supply channel with nozzles and deflectors that are built-in, eliminating the need for a separate spray assembly. This integration maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing device complexity and the number of separate components required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutlery rack is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds cutlery for washing and simultaneously acts as a spraying device through its integrated nozzles and deflectors. This multi-functionality allows the rack to both receive and distribute wash fluid, eliminating the need for dedicated spray assemblies and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an additional spray assembly is added within the wash chamber to spray fluid to the cutlery rack, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the spray function into the cutlery rack structure itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate spray assembly installation. The nozzle and deflector components are integrated into the rack, reducing the number of installation steps and simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a deflector is added to redirect fluid after ejection from the nozzle, then the fluid distribution efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid distribution efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector is integrated directly into the cutlery rack structure at the nozzle outlet, combining the fluid redirection function with the rack's support structure. This integration ensures efficient fluid distribution across the cutlery while avoiding the need for separate, complex deflector mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

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

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simple and effective cleaning of cutlery by directing fluid directly onto the cutlery from above, reducing complexity and enhancing cleaning efficiency without the need for additional components.

Implementation Method 1

a spraying device (10) integrated into the cutlery rack (8), comprising a deflector (13) for deflecting the fluid after being ejected out of the nozzle (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid deflection:

Data Source

PatentEP3878342B1Cutlery rack, dishwasher and method for washing cutlery
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 HAIER GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3878342B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878342B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878342B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cutlery rack (8) for washing cutlery comprising a support structure (9) defining a receiving space (20) for receiving the cutlery, and a spraying device (10) configured to spray a fluid at the cutlery. The spraying device (10) comprises a fluid supply channel (11) for providing the fluid, a nozzle (12) for ejecting the provided fluid and a deflector (13) for deflecting the fluid after being ejected out of the nozzle (12).