Dish Rack Height Adjustment Using Cam-Follower Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher dish rack adjustment mechanisms are complex, difficult to operate, and unstable, lacking cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable dish rack mechanism featuring a cam and spring-biased follower latching system, allowing manual height adjustment between raised and lowered positions using a camming unit with multiple tiers, enabling secure positioning without complicated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art adjustment mechanisms are used, then vertical height adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is divided into multiple discrete cam surfaces (first cam surface, second cam surface, third cam surface) that correspond to different height positions. Each cam surface engages with the follower at a specific position to provide stable support, breaking down the continuous adjustment range into manageable discrete segments that are easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased follower automatically engages with the appropriate cam surface based on the rack's position. When the rack is moved vertically, the follower self-adjusts along the cam profile and automatically latches onto the correct cam surface without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms, achieving self-service operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art adjustment mechanisms are used, then height adjustment capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased follower automatically engages with the appropriate cam surface based on the rack's position. When the rack is moved vertically, the follower self-adjusts along the cam profile and automatically latches onto the correct cam surface without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms, achieving self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-component latching mechanism of prior art is replaced with a simple cam-follower mechanical system. The cam surfaces provide the latching function through their geometric profile, eliminating the need for buttons, sticks, or electronic controls, and reducing the mechanism to its essential mechanical elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art adjustment mechanisms are used, then vertical positioning is achieved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each cam surface is designed with specific local geometric properties that provide stable support at its corresponding height position. The cam surfaces include flat portions that create positive engagement points, ensuring the follower maintains a stable, vibration-resistant connection at each predetermined vertical position rather than allowing continuous or unstable positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art adjustment mechanisms are used, then height adjustment is enabled, but manufacturing cost-effectiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from prior art adjustment mechanisms, retaining only the essential cam and follower elements needed for height adjustment. This simplification reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, thereby improving manufacturing cost-effectiveness while preserving the core adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism uses simple, easily manufactured geometric profiles that can be produced cost-effectively through standard machining or molding processes. The cam surfaces are designed to be robust and wear-resistant, providing a durable solution that does not require expensive materials or complex manufacturing techniques.
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 mechanism allows for reliable and easy repositioning of the dish rack, enhancing user experience with improved stability and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the latching mechanism employs a cam and spring-biased follower arrangement. In operation, a user can adjust the height of the rack by directly, manually grasping sides of the rack with his/her hands. When the rack is initially lifted, each spring-biased follower tracks the profile of a first camming surface provided along a first tier of a camming unit.
Implementation Method 2
the latching mechanism employs a cam and spring-biased follower arrangement. At the point that the rack reaches a desired, upper raised position, the follower is automatically shifted by the force of the spring so as to extend over a ledge or plateau portion of the camming unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A dish rack is supported for vertical movement relative to a dishwasher tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually shifting the dish rack to cause a camming unit of a latching mechanism to cooperate with a follower in establishing at least a lowered position and a raised position for the rack. The camming unit includes a plurality of camming surfaces and ramps establishing multiple tiers upon which the follower is guided while being biased by a spring.