Movable Dishwasher Cutlery Holder for Flexible Tray Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing domestic dishwashers with cutlery trays are limited in arranging items like espresso cups and flat cutlery due to the design of the cutlery holding device, which prevents flexible positioning and efficient use of space.

Innovation Solution

The cutlery holding device can move between two positions, allowing for a horizontal arrangement in the second position, enabling the accommodation of items like espresso cups and flat cutlery, while in the first position, it holds items on the tray securely, with features such as pivoting, displacement, and a rake design with teeth or grooves for secure holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cutlery holding device is designed to hold cutlery items vertically on the cutlery tray, then the cutlery items are securely held and prevented from slipping, but it becomes impossible to arrange items horizontally or place small items such as espresso cups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of cutleryVSAvoidarrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutlery holding device is designed to be movable between a first position for holding cutlery items and a second position for horizontal arrangement. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt its function based on position: in the first position, it provides secure vertical holding to prevent slipping, while in the second position, it enables horizontal arrangement and accommodates small items like espresso cups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cutlery holding device is designed with fixed structure and holding features, then it can reliably hold cutlery items, but it prevents flexible positioning and efficient use of space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutlery holding stabilityVSAvoidstructural flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutlery holding device incorporates movable components that allow it to transition between different configurations. The device includes holding features for reliable cutlery grip, but these features can be repositioned or reconfigured through the movable design, enabling flexible positioning and efficient space utilization without compromising holding stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the cutlery tray is designed with a fixed cutlery holder, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate various types of items including espresso cups and flat cutlery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiditem accommodation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutlery holding device is designed with movable parts that can be manufactured using standard techniques. The device transitions between a first position for traditional cutlery holding and a second position that creates a flat surface for horizontal arrangement. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly enhancing the ability to accommodate various item types including espresso cups, flat cutlery, and other small items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2272416B1Household dishwasher with cutlery holder
Publication Date: 2013.03.20 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2272416B1 patent drawingFigure 1.
  • EP2272416B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The household dishwasher has a flatware deposition (1) and a cutlery retaining unit (5) for lying arrangement of a flatware (11). The cutlery retaining unit is brought into a custom position by a movement of the cutlery retaining unit in respect to the flatware deposition.