Dishwasher Cutlery Basket Layout for Flexible Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dishwasher designs lack flexibility in basket units and pin arrangements for supporting cutlery, which can lead to inefficient washing and separation of cutlery items.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a two-basket system with adjustable pin configurations, including first, second, and third pins, and a frame that accommodates both baskets in various orientations, allowing for better support and separation of cutlery during washing and unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single basket with fixed pin configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different cutlery items is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different cutlery itemsVSAvoidbasket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The basket is divided into multiple segments (first basket and second basket) that can be independently configured with different pin arrangements. Each basket can be optimized for specific cutlery types, enabling adaptable support for various cutlery items while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pin configurations are made adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The first and second baskets can have their pins positioned at different locations and orientations, allowing dynamic adaptation to different cutlery loading requirements without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If cutlery items are tightly arranged to maximize space utilization, then the washing coverage is improved, but the separation of cutlery during unloading becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidease of cutlery separation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Cutlery items are separated into different baskets (first basket for one type, second basket for another type) with distinct pin configurations. This segmentation allows tight arrangement within each basket type for washing efficiency while enabling easy separation between basket types during unloading, as each basket can be independently removed and handled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second basket acts as an intermediary structure that can be selectively positioned between the first basket and the user during unloading. This intermediary arrangement facilitates easier access and separation of cutlery items without compromising the tight washing arrangement, as the second basket provides a convenient intermediate storage and transfer position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2478820B1Dishwasher
Publication Date: 2014.06.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2478820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2478820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2478820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dishwasher (100) includes a basket unit (150) including an upper basket (151) and a lower basket (152). The upper basket (151) is separated from the lower basket (152) so that cutlery in the upper basket is easily separated from the upper basket.