Removable Dishwasher Lid Rack With Lattice Drainage Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwashers often struggle to effectively wash small items like lids to travel mugs and child drinking containers due to large gaps in wire-framed rack assemblies, leading to these items falling or collecting water, which can clog the drain system and result in undesirable water stains.
Innovation Solution
A removable rack accessory with a lattice-type structure and adjustable apertures, a mounting portion for rotation, a snap hook for secure latching, and a locator hook to prevent transverse motion, allowing for secure placement and water drainage of small items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wire-framed rack assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but small objects can fall through large gaps and clog the drain system
Solution Approach 1:
The rack accessory body is divided into multiple struts that collectively define apertures, creating a segmented structure that provides both support and drainage functionality while preventing objects from falling through
Solution Approach 2:
The rack accessory serves as an intermediary component between the rack assembly and small objects, providing a intermediate structure with controlled aperture sizes that prevents objects from reaching the drain system while maintaining water flow
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional wire-framed rack assemblies are used, then the structure allows water flow, but small objects collect water on flat surfaces leading to water stains
Solution Approach 1:
The rack accessory employs a porous-like structure with multiple apertures defined by struts, allowing water to pass through while supporting small objects, thereby preventing water collection and subsequent staining
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a traditional flat wire frame to a three-dimensional lattice configuration with struts extending in multiple directions, creating apertures that provide both support and water drainage pathways
3Reliability
If a removable rack accessory with multiple attachment mechanisms is used, then secure holding of small items is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment functions (rotatable mounting portion, snap hook, and locator hook) are merged into a single integrated rack accessory body, providing secure attachment through multiple mechanisms without requiring separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The rack accessory body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support through struts, enables rotatable attachment via the mounting portion, secures positioning with the snap hook, and prevents lateral movement with the locator hook, all within a single component
Data Source
AI summary
A removable lid rack for a dishwashing appliance includes a body including a plurality of struts extending along the lateral direction, the plurality of struts collectively defining a plurality of apertures; a mounting portion extending from the body along the vertical direction, the mounting portion including a slide tab extending along the transverse direction; a snap hook protruding from the body along the vertical direction; and a locator hook protruding from the body along the lateral direction away from the plurality of apertures.