Dishwasher Basket Insert With Wire Loops and Spikes for Dead Space Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing basket inserts for dishwashers leave unused dead space, limiting the efficient utilization of dishwasher space and restricting the variety of items that can be accommodated, particularly for plates and hollow vessels.

Innovation Solution

A washing basket insert with multiple bent wire loops extending across the width of the basket, transitioning into spikes, and arched arrangements that create additional receptacles for plates, allowing for secure holding and variable use without dead space, including the ability to accommodate plates in multiple rows and larger items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire loops are spaced apart from the rack borders to prevent plate protrusion, then plate stability is improved, but dead space is created that cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate stabilityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the wire loop structure with spike elements at the ends of the wire loops. The wire loops maintain their stabilizing function for plates while the integrated spikes utilize the previously dead lateral spaces to hold hollow vessels, thereby combining two different holding functions into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire loop structure is enhanced with integrated spikes that enable the same basket insert to serve multiple functions: wire loops hold plates securely while the spikes at the ends hold hollow vessels like glasses and vases. This multi-functional design eliminates dead space and increases overall space utilization.

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

2Quantity of substance

If wire loops extend across the entire width of the washing basket, then plate holding capacity is improved, but lateral railing areas become dead space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate holding capacityVSAvoidusable lateral area
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wire loops are merged with spike elements at their lateral ends. This integration transforms the previously unusable lateral railing areas into functional holding spaces for hollow vessels, while the main wire loop structure continues to provide plate holding capacity across the basket width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds vertical dimension to the lateral railing areas by introducing upward-pointing spikes. This transforms the two-dimensional wire loop structure into a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes vertical space for holding hollow vessels, thereby converting dead lateral space into usable volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spikes are used instead of wire loops, then versatility for holding hollow vessels is improved, but plate stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehollow vessel holdingVSAvoidplate stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines wire loops and spikes into a single integrated structure. The wire loops provide stable support for plates by cradling them, while the spikes extending from the wire loops provide insertion points for hollow vessels. Both functions coexist in the same structure without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: wire loop sections hold plates securely while spike sections hold hollow vessels. This universal design allows the same basket insert to accommodate different types of dishware in different configurations, maximizing versatility while maintaining plate stability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2377455B1Dishwasher basket insert
Publication Date: 2013.07.03 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2377455B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2377455B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2377455B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The insert (1) has wire loops (3) arranged one after another in a feeding direction (10) of a dishwasher in a bent manner. The wire loops are extended in breadth direction of a rack (2) approximately over entire breadth of the loops. One of the wire loops run in a spike (4) and another spike, which are towered in a height direction (12) of the dishwasher. A gap (17) is formed between the spikes and an associated rail (13) and accommodates disk-shaped items to be rinsed. Arc arrangements (21-23) are provided for the wire loops and are arranged at distance from each other.