Dishwasher Rack Roller Assembly With Ball Bearings for Quiet Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic dishwashers face challenges in providing smooth and quiet operation, particularly due to the noise generated by the interaction of dish racks and rollers, which can hinder user experience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of roller wheels with ball bearings mounted on axles and a unique raceway design that separates ball bearings to prevent contact and reduce noise, allowing for smooth rotation and movement within the dishwasher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional rollers are used in dish racks, then the structure is simple, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
Ball bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the roller wheel and axle, serving as a mediator that reduces direct contact and friction. The ball bearings roll between the raceways, converting sliding friction into rolling friction, which significantly reduces noise while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional direct-contact roller system is replaced with a ball bearing-based rolling system. This mechanical substitution transforms the noise-generating sliding friction mechanism into a quieter rolling friction mechanism, reducing noise without substantially increasing complexity
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ball bearings are added to roller wheels, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is segmented into distinct components: the roller wheel, the axle, the ball bearings, and the raceways. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, and then assembled together, making the ball bearing integration more manageable and less complex than it would appear
Solution Approach 2:
The design parameters of the roller wheel are modified to include integrated raceways that accommodate ball bearings. By changing the geometric parameters of the roller wheel to include these bearing surfaces, the patent incorporates ball bearings in a way that follows conventional manufacturing practices rather than requiring entirely new manufacturing approaches
3Ease of operation
If ball bearings are used in roller wheels, then operation becomes smoother, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ball bearings serve as intermediary elements that facilitate smoother operation by reducing friction between moving parts. The ball bearings roll within the raceways, creating a smoother interaction between the roller wheel and axle, which improves rack movement while keeping the overall assembly conceptually simple
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearing arrangement creates a more uniform distribution of contact points around the axle, achieving equipotentiality in terms of friction and wear. This uniform distribution of contact forces through the ball bearings ensures smooth operation throughout the rotation cycle, making the improved operation feel natural rather than mechanically complex
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
This solution enhances the operational silence and elegance of dishwashers by minimizing noise and improving the movement of racks, thereby enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each roller wheel has ball bearings that enable at least a portion of the roller wheel to rotate about the axle
Implementation Method 2
the roller wheels of the upper dishwasher rack disposed to roll within the rails and the roller wheels of the lower dishwasher rack disposed to roll on the door
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the rack assembly of a dishwasher that includes opposing side portions, at least two axles extending outwardly from each of the opposing side portions, and a roller wheel mounted to each axle, wherein each roller wheel has ball bearings that enable at least a portion of the roller wheel to rotate about the axle. The rack assembly apparatus may be used for the upper or lower rack of the dishwasher. In case of the lower rack, the assembly may roll on the surface of the door. In case of the upper rack, the assembly may roll along guide rails.