Dish Rack Pivot Rail Design for Smooth Dishwasher Door Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dish rack systems in dishwashers often face issues with door closure due to the weight of the loaded dish rack and binding with the door, leading to improper positioning and cleaning inhibition, especially when a rail system is used, as the movement of the door causes binding of the rails and prevents smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dish rack pivot system and slide system that allows the dish rack to pivot or the rails to pivot relative to the tub, enabling smooth movement and door closure even when the dish rack is extended, using a telescopic rail configuration and a low-friction contact element to facilitate sliding and prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dish rack is extended out of the dishwasher on wheels, then easy loading and unloading is achieved, but door closure is inhibited due to weight and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The dish rack is designed to pivot dynamically during door closure. The pivot system allows the rack to rotate about a horizontal axis, transitioning from a horizontal extended position to an inclined position that clears the door path, enabling the door to close without manual retraction of the rack
2Force
If sufficient force is applied to overcome the weight of the loaded dish rack, then the rack can be moved, but the rack slides quickly backward and jostles contents, increasing likelihood of improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot system transforms the closing force into controlled rotational motion. As the door closes, it gradually pivots the rack upward and inward, providing controlled movement that prevents sudden sliding and jostling of contents
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the door and the dish rack. It mediates the force transmission, converting linear door closure force into controlled rotational movement of the rack, preventing direct force application that would cause rapid sliding
3Strength
If a rail system is utilized for the dish rack, then structural support is improved, but movement of the door causes binding of the rails
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is designed with pivot capability, allowing it to rotate dynamically during door closure. The rails maintain their structural support function while accommodating rotational movement, preventing binding through controlled pivoting motion
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system operates in two dimensions: horizontal movement for loading/unloading and vertical rotation for door closure. This dimensional transition allows the rails to maintain strength while enabling smooth door operation through pivoting
4Force
If the door contacts an extended rail section, then the rail may be forced upward, but the telescopic rails bind and prevent movement of the door or rail
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic rail system is designed with pivot capability, allowing it to rotate dynamically when contacted by the door. This dynamic response converts the upward contact force into controlled rotational movement, preventing binding and maintaining movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system changes its operational parameters from horizontal extension to vertical rotation during door closure. This parameter transition allows the rail to accommodate contact forces without binding, maintaining system reliability
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
This solution ensures easy loading and unloading of dishes, prevents jamming during door closure, and reduces wear and tear on the slide system by allowing the dish rack to be easily retracted into the dishwasher, even when fully loaded, enhancing user satisfaction and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a low-friction contact element to facilitate sliding and prevent jamming
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a slide system for sliding movement of a dish rack in and out of a wash chamber, and a pivot system to enable cooperative pivoting of the dish rack and an access door when the dish rack at least partially overlies the door and the door is pivoted from an opened to a closed position.