Dishwasher Basket Height Adjustment with Self-Locking Thumb Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level adjustment mechanisms in white goods often fail to securely maintain the basket at upper positions due to disengagement of lock mechanisms, requiring simultaneous pressing of a latch to lower the basket, which is inconvenient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A level adjustment mechanism that utilizes a thumb lock mechanism to secure the basket at upper positions using its own weight and allows easy transition to lower positions by pulling it up slightly before lowering, employing a slide and rail system with a U-shaped profile and snap joints for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thumb lock mechanism is used to secure the basket, then the basket remains securely at upper position, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb lock mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged and disengaged by the basket's own weight and movement. This self-servicing approach provides reliable locking without requiring complex control systems, motors, or sensors, maintaining mechanical simplicity while ensuring secure positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The inventive level adjustment mechanism (A) comprises a support frame (1) which contains wheels (3) that allow it to move back and forth on the rails in a white good; an adjustment frame (2) which can slide up and down on the support frame (1) and which can be connected to the rack or basket of which level adjustment is required; a rail (4) which is secured to the support frame (1) and which performs the bearing task for the up and down movement of the adjustment frame (2); a slide (5) which can move up and down inside said rail (4) and which is connected to the adjustment frame (2); a shaft (7) which is inserted into a slot on said rail (4) together with the retaining ring (8) thereon and a thumb lock (6) which is attached to the shaft (7) such that it can rotate thereon.