Article rack accessory with improved usability for use in a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers often leave articles dirty due to improper alignment or overcrowding, which prevents effective washing by the upper and lower spray arms, leading to the need for re-washing.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary duct assembly and detachable nozzle device with a rotatable, telescopically adjustable nozzle head and auxiliary article holder are integrated into the dishwasher racks, allowing targeted washing liquid distribution for various shapes and sizes of items, including cutlery and stemware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If articles are placed closely together to maximize rack capacity, then the quantity of articles that can be washed increases, but the washing effectiveness decreases because spray arms cannot effectively reach all surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is segmented into multiple independent spray sources: the original upper and lower spray arms plus the new auxiliary nozzle device. This segmentation allows washing coverage to be distributed across multiple zones, enabling effective cleaning even when articles are densely packed in the rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary nozzle device is positioned at a different spatial location (attached to the lower article rack, facing upward) compared to the traditional spray arms. This dimensional change in spray source placement creates additional washing angles and improves penetration between densely packed articles, maintaining washing effectiveness while maximizing rack capacity.
2Productivity
If articles are misaligned or improperly sorted, then loading speed increases, but washing effectiveness decreases leading to dirty articles after washing
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary nozzle device is pre-positioned and pre-configured to target specific article locations and orientations. By having this additional spray source ready in advance at an optimal position, the system compensates for suboptimal article placement, ensuring that even misaligned or quickly loaded articles receive adequate washing coverage.
3Device complexity
If a fixed spray system is used, then device complexity remains low, but adaptability to different article shapes and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary nozzle device incorporates adjustable components including a rotatable nozzle head that can pivot to change spray direction, and a telescopic extension mechanism that allows adjustment of the nozzle position. These dynamic features enable the spray system to adapt to different article shapes, sizes, and placements without increasing overall system complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary nozzle device serves multiple functions: it provides primary washing for densely packed articles, compensates for misaligned items, and can be adjusted to target different article types (cutlery, stemware, bottles). This multi-functionality increases versatility while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of standardized adjustable mechanisms.
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
Enhances cleaning performance for heavily soiled articles by ensuring effective washing liquid distribution, reducing re-washing needs and improving customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary nozzle device has a nozzle head which jets the washing liquid towards articles which are placed in the vicinity thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an article rack accessory for use in a dishwasher (2) comprising a tub (2a), upper and lower article racks (2b, 2c), upper and lower spray arms (2d, 2e), a pump supplying the upper and lower spray arms (2d, 2e) with washing liquid. The dishwasher (2) of the present invention comprises an auxiliary duct assembly (2h-2n) mounted to a designated one of the upper and lower article racks (2b, 2c). The auxiliary duct assembly (2h) conveys washing liquid supplied from the pump. The auxiliary duct assembly (2h) is fluidly connectable to a detachable article rack accessory (1) of the present invention which comprises an auxiliary nozzle device (1a) which is separately provided from the upper and lower spray arms (2d, 2e) and which is detachably attachable to the designated article rack (2b, 2c).