Dishwasher Utensil Caddy With Angled Slots for Large Utensils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers often fail to accommodate larger cooking utensils effectively, as they are either too long for existing racks, take up too much space, or create shadowing, leading to reduced wash performance, and many models lack a third rack or have insufficient depth to fit items like large ladles.

Innovation Solution

The design of a utensil caddy that attaches to existing dish racks between the rack and the door, utilizing space reclaimed by relocating control electronics, features angled slots to reduce interference with spray arms and other items, and can be integrated into new or existing rack designs to accommodate various dishwasher models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dish racks are used, then existing rack space is utilized, but larger cooking utensils cannot be accommodated effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutensil accommodation capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by utensils

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by attaching a utensil caddy to the side of the dish rack that extends into the treating chamber. This allows utensils to be stored in a previously underutilized spatial dimension, accommodating larger cooking utensils without increasing the horizontal footprint or interfering with spray arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The utensil caddy is nested within the existing dishwasher structure by attaching it to the dish rack assembly. The caddy fits into the space between the rack and the door/tub, effectively nesting a new storage function within the existing rack system without requiring a complete rack replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If utensils are placed in existing racks, then rack space is used, but shadowing occurs that reduces wash performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewash performanceVSAvoidutensil storage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage function by separating utensil storage from the main dish rack. The utensil caddy is attached to the side of the rack, creating a dedicated storage zone that prevents utensils from interfering with dish placement and spray arm rotation, thereby eliminating shadowing while maintaining storage convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The utensil caddy acts as an intermediary structure between the dish rack and the treating chamber space. It provides a dedicated storage location that mediates between the need for utensil storage and the requirement for unobstructed water spray, preventing direct interference between utensils and the washing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a third rack is added to accommodate larger utensils, then utensil storage capacity increases, but capital expenditure and lead time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutensil storage capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The utensil caddy is designed as a universal attachment that can be installed on existing dish racks without requiring a complete rack replacement. This multi-functional approach allows the same rack design to serve both traditional dish storage and specialized utensil storage needs, avoiding the cost and complexity of manufacturing an entirely new third rack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the utensil storage function from the main dish rack design and implements it as a separate, attachable caddy component. This extraction allows the storage capability to be added independently without redesigning or replacing the entire rack system, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and lead time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If slots are oriented perpendicular to the rack, then utensil handles fit easily, but spray arm interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutensil insertion easeVSAvoidspray arm interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric slot orientation at approximately 45 degrees relative to the rack rather than using symmetric perpendicular orientation. This asymmetric angle allows utensil handles to be inserted at a convenient angle while directing the utensil bodies away from the spray arm rotation path, reducing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the slots from the conventional perpendicular (90 degrees) to an angled orientation (approximately 45 degrees). This parameter modification simultaneously maintains ease of utensil insertion while repositioning the utensils to minimize interference with spray arm movement during the washing cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9907452B2Dishwasher utensil caddies

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

Dishwasher utensil caddies are disclosed. A disclosed example utensil caddy for a dishwasher having a tub and a door at least partially defining a treating chamber, and dish rack in the treating chamber, includes an attachment member configured to attach the utensil caddy to a side of the dish rack in a space between the dish rack and the tub or the door, and a slot oriented at an angle relative to the dish rack, and configured to receive a handle of a cooking utensil.