Foldable Dishwasher Glass Support Assembly With Soft Surface Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers are not adequately designed to handle delicate items like wine glasses and champagne glasses, leading to potential breakage and requiring time-consuming hand washing, as existing support assemblies have not effectively addressed these issues.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a snap arrangement, a main frame having a soft surface structure for delicate items and a rigid floor for other items, which can be folded to accommodate different types of loads, and a gripping unit frame for stemmed objects, allowing safe washing of both delicate and heavy items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the dishwasher interior is designed to be robust for heavy cookware, then it can support pots and pans, but delicate items like wine glasses may break
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separate functional components: a rigid base for heavy items and a foldable main frame with soft surface structure for delicate items. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The main frame is designed to be foldable between a supporting position (providing soft support for delicate items) and a storing position (allowing rack access). This dynamic structure enables the dishwasher interior to adapt its configuration based on the type of items being washed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft surface structure is added to support delicate items, then glasses can be safely supported, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The soft surface structure is integrated into the foldable main frame, combining the protection function with the existing structural element. The soft surface comprises protrusions in an elastic material that are molded as part of the main frame, eliminating the need for separate protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The main frame is constructed with flexible, foldable elements that can transition between positions. The soft surface structure uses elastic material with protrusions that can deform to accommodate delicate items while maintaining structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the main frame is positioned in the supporting position to protect delicate items, then glasses are safe, but access to the rack is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The main frame is designed as a movable, foldable structure that can transition between a supporting position (protecting delicate items) and a storing position (providing rack access). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent structural compromise.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a gripping unit frame is added to grip stemmed objects, then stemmed items are better protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping unit frame is integrated with the main frame structure, combining the gripping function with the existing foldable support structure. This integration allows stemmed objects to be secured without requiring completely separate mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping units are designed to work in conjunction with the foldable main frame, serving multiple functions: gripping stemmed portions, providing structural support, and maintaining the foldable capability of the overall assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The support assembly effectively protects delicate items from breakage while allowing for the washing of heavier items, providing a flexible solution that enhances the usability of dishwashers for various types of loads.
Implementation Method 1
the soft surface structure comprises a set of protrusions in an elastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
A support assembly (1) for supporting one or more objects in a dishwasher is provided. The support assembly (1) comprises a snap arrangement (5.1, 5.2) comprising snap fittings (9) for snapping the snap arrangement (5.1, 5.2) onto a rack of the dishwasher. The support assembly (1) further comprises a main frame (6) having a first side (6.1) and a second side (6.2), where the first side (6.1) is provided with a soft surface structure, and where the main frame (6) is foldably arranged to the snap arrangement (5.1, 5.2) to allow the main frame (6) to be folded between at least a supporting position and a storing position. The soft surface structure of the first side (6.1) is arranged to support a portion of the one or more objects when the main frame (6) is in the supporting position. The embodiments herein also relates to a rack of a dishwasher and a dishwasher comprising a rack.