Ceiling-Mounted Dishwasher Drawer Rails That Retract for More Rack Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dishwashers, the mechanisms used to support drawers, such as guide rails and slides, occupy space when the drawer is not in use, preventing efficient utilization of the upper dish rack and reducing loading capacity.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring hangers secured to the ceiling with a rail that can switch between active and passive modes, allowing the drawer to be mounted and moved in the active mode and rotated under the ceiling in the passive mode, minimizing space occupation when not in use, utilizing a horizontally-tilted U-shaped rail with a hanger arm and drawer arm, and a fixing element with protrusions to secure the rail under the ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rails and slides are mounted on the ceiling to support the drawer, then the drawer can be moved and utilized for storing items, but the supporting mechanisms occupy space inside the dishwasher when the drawer is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is designed to be movable between two positions: an extended position where the drawer can be mounted and moved on rails, and a retracted position where the rail is closed under the ceiling. This dynamic transformation allows the supporting mechanism to adapt its configuration based on whether the drawer is in use, minimizing space occupation when the drawer is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail transforms from a horizontal configuration (when supporting the drawer) to a vertical/configuration under the ceiling (when drawer is not in use). This dimensional transformation allows the rail to occupy minimal space when not supporting the drawer, effectively resolving the space occupation problem.
2Productivity
If the drawer is removed from the dishwasher, then the supporting mechanisms still occupy space and prevent efficient usage of the upper dish rack
Solution Approach 1:
The rail's ability to transform between extended and retracted states ensures that when the drawer is removed, the rail automatically or manually retracts under the ceiling, clearing the space for alternative uses such as installing an upper dish rack, thereby maximizing loading capacity.
3Reliability
If fixed rails are mounted on the ceiling, then the drawer can be securely supported, but the rails cannot be removed or repositioned to optimize space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is designed with movable components including the rail itself that can extend and retract, and a drawer arm that can rotate. This dynamic design maintains secure support when the drawer is installed while allowing the system to be reconfigured or removed to optimize space for different uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system is divided into separable components including the rail, drawer arm, and fixing elements. This segmentation allows the components to be independently positioned, reconfigured, or removed, providing flexibility for space optimization while maintaining support functionality when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) that comprises a body (2), a door (3) allowing access into the body (2), at least two hangers (4) secured oppositely on the ceiling (T) of the body (2), at least two rails (5) each mounted to the hangers (4) and at least one drawer (6) mounted to the rails (5) from the opposite sides to be movable thereon, wherein the items to be washed are emplaced.