Dishwasher Lower Basket Lifting Device to Reduce Loading Effort

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing dish washing machines require users to repeatedly bend and strain to load and unload large, heavy lower baskets, which is inconvenient and can lead to garbage blockages during washing and draining.

Innovation Solution

A dish washing machine equipped with a lifting device that raises and lowers the lower basket using a link mechanism and elastic members, allowing the basket to be easily moved between raised and lowered positions without invading the washing space, and includes a slowing device to control the speed of the basket's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lifting device is installed to raise and lower the lower basket, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link mechanism is nested within the door structure, with link members arranged to overlap each other when the guide rail is in the lowered position. The link connecting member is accommodated in the inner space between the overlapping link members, effectively hiding the lifting device components within the door's internal space and avoiding additional external complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device utilizes the vertical dimension by raising and lowering the lower basket along guide rails mounted on the door. This vertical movement transforms the loading/unloading operation from horizontal reaching to vertical lifting, improving ergonomics while the mechanism itself is compactly arranged in the door's structural dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the lifting device is designed with link members that overlap, then space occupation is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The link members are arranged to overlap each other in a nested configuration when the guide rail is lowered, with the link connecting member fitting into the inner space between them. This nesting minimizes the overall volume of the lifting device and allows it to be enclosed inside the door when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device is segmented into multiple link members (first link member and second link member) connected by link connecting members. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be divided into manageable parts that can be precisely manufactured and assembled, with each segment having specific pivot points and connection areas that facilitate accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the lifting device is enclosed inside the door, then washing space is not invaded, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing spaceVSAvoidaccess for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, with link members that can pivot and move between raised and lowered positions. When the guide rail is in the lowered position, the entire lifting device can be enclosed inside the door. When maintenance is needed, the guide rail can be raised to expose the lifting device components, providing access while maintaining washing space when operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enhances user convenience by reducing the effort required to load and unload dishes, minimizes space occupation by the lifting device, and prevents garbage blockages during washing and draining.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic member configured to provide an elastic restoring force in a direction in which the guide rail moves upward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one link member pivotably provided at the door

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

at least one slowing device configured to reduce at least one of a speed at which the at least one guide rail is raised and a speed at which the at least one guide rail is lowered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeed control: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3352639B1Dish washing machine
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3352639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3352639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3352639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The inconvenience associated with using a lower basket of a dish washing machine is reduced or eliminated by a dish washing machine which includes a washing tub with an open front, a basket configured to be inserted in or drawn out from the washing tub through the open front of the washing tub, a door which opens or closes the open front of the washing tub, at least one guide rail for mounting the basket on the door when the basket is drawn out from the washing tub while the door is open, and a lifting device which guides the guide rail to move between a raised position and a lowered position of the guide rail.