Soft start-stop rack adjustment mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwasher rack adjustment mechanisms pose physical difficulties for users and risk damaging dishes when moving racks with different-sized items, as they require both racks to be pulled out and repositioned, leading to potential injury and inefficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A soft start-stop rack adjustment mechanism using an infinite-life stainless plastic spring for controlled three-stage movement, allowing upward, downward, and central adjustments without additional components, ensuring safe and efficient loading of dishes without physical strain on users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rack adjustment mechanisms are used to move racks with different-sized items, then space utilization can be improved, but physical difficulties for users and risk of damaging dishes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a spring mechanism that provides cushioning force before the rack reaches its final position. The spring is pre-loaded to absorb impact energy during rack movement, preventing damage to dishes and reducing physical strain on users before the harmful impact occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the rack and the adjustment mechanism. It mediates the force transmission during rack movement, converting abrupt mechanical forces into controlled, gradual motion that protects both dishes and users while maintaining space adjustment functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both racks are pulled out and repositioned to load dishes, then loading flexibility is improved, but physical strain on users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the rack to move dynamically between positions using the spring mechanism. Instead of requiring users to manually pull and reposition heavy racks, the spring-assisted mechanism allows smooth, controlled movement that adapts to the loading process, reducing physical strain while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically assisting the rack movement during adjustment. The stored elastic energy in the spring actively participates in the rack repositioning process, reducing the manual effort required from users while preserving loading flexibility.
3Reliability
If rack movement is restricted to prevent damage, then dish safety is improved, but space adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning that enables safe rack movement. By pre-loading the spring to absorb impact forces, the system allows full range of motion for space adjustment while preventing harmful impacts that would compromise dish safety, thus resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the force characteristics during rack movement. The spring mechanism changes the force parameter from abrupt, high-magnitude impacts to gradual, controlled forces, enabling both safe operation and full adjustment capability across different positions.
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 mechanism enables safe and controlled movement of dishwasher racks, preventing dish damage and user injury by allowing soft transitions between stages, optimizing space usage without additional costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a soft start-stop rack adjustment mechanism that is capable of performing a soft start and stop movement once the rack level adjustment is made by utilizing an infinite-life, stainless plastic spring positioned inside the rack adjustment mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
In general terms, the present invention relates to a soft transition rack adjustment mechanism that is designed to be used in dishwashers with one or a multitude of superimposed products receiving racks and that comprises a secure, three-stage movement system that protects the items therein. The present invention relates to both performing transitions between stages and ensuring that these transitions are made in a soft and controlled manner by means of an infinite-life, stainless plastic spring that is positioned inside the inventive rack adjustment mechanism, and that does not require any additional components, nor creates any additional costs.