Dishwasher and conveying system therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of dishwashers with elevatable racks face discomfort and risk of damaging the appliance when performing maintenance tasks, such as cleaning filters or refilling consumables, due to the need to reach under the pivoted rack, which can put strain on the dishwasher door and lead to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system for the dishwasher rack that allows it to be positioned in an intermediate state, creating a space between the rack and the dishwasher's aperture, enabling easier access for maintenance while a locking arrangement prevents the rack from being displaced by the weight of loaded articles, thus maintaining stability and user-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack is elevated to improve user-friendliness for loading and unloading articles, then the user can more comfortably access the rack, but the user must reach under the rack for maintenance tasks which can damage the door or hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be elevated for loading/unloading operations and then lowered to a first position that provides clearance for maintenance access. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for users to reach under the rack, preventing door damage while maintaining ease of article handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack can be positioned in multiple spatial configurations: elevated for loading/unloading, lowered to a first position for maintenance access, and lowered to a second position for complete door opening. This multi-dimensional positioning resolves the contradiction by providing different spatial arrangements for different operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the rack is lowered to allow maintenance access, then the user can reach under the rack, but the rack may be displaced by the weight of loaded articles
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged before the rack is lowered to the first position for maintenance. This preliminary action prevents the rack from being displaced by the weight of loaded articles during the maintenance operation, ensuring both accessibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rack and the maintenance operation. It secures the rack in the lowered first position, allowing users to safely access the interior for maintenance without risk of rack displacement, while the rack remains stable and supported.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent rack displacement, then the rack remains stable in intermediate positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user during normal operation. The user engages the lock when lowering the rack for maintenance and disengages it when raising the rack. This self-service approach provides necessary stability without requiring complex automated locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is implemented as a separate, discrete component that can be independently engaged and disengaged. This extracted locking function adds minimal complexity to the overall conveying system while providing the necessary stability for maintenance operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the rack is kept in a fixed elevated position, then the rack is stable for loading and unloading, but the user must uncomfortably reach down for maintenance tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The rack transitions from a fixed elevated position to a dynamic system that can be lowered to a first position for maintenance. The locking mechanism ensures stability in this lowered position, allowing users to comfortably access the interior for maintenance tasks without compromising rack stability through proper securing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveying system (100) for conveying a rack (2) of a dishwasher (1) between a displaced position (201) and a start position (202) along a path (204) as well as a dishwasher (1) comprising the conveying system (100) are disclosed. The displaced position (201) is defined by that the rack (2) is displaced with respect to the start position (202) in at least a first direction perpendicular to a main extension plane (P1) of the rack (2). The conveying system (100) comprises an elevating arrangement (110) arranged to bias the rack (2) towards the displaced position (201) when the rack (2) is located at a portion (203) of the path (204). Moreover, the conveying system (100) comprises a locking arrangement (121, 122) arranged to releasably lock the rack (2) in an intermediate position (207) between the displaced position (201) and the start position (202) when the rack (2) is located at the portion (203) of the path (204), thereby preventing the rack (2) from being biasedly retracted to the displaced position (201) or preventing the rack (2) from being displaced away from the intermediate position (207) due to weight of articles (3) carried by the rack (2).