Dishwasher Rack Elevating Mechanism with Audible Engagement Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience strain and backaches when loading or unloading lower racks in dishwashers due to the need to bend, as existing elevating mechanisms often require manual attachment and can result in the rack toppling or not engaging properly.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher employs lifting arms with a locking lug and channel system that generates an audible sound when engaged, featuring a ball-spring mechanism or embossment to ensure secure attachment and prevent dislodging, with dual locking lugs and arms for stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual attachment of rack to lifting arms is required, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to improper engagement and rack toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The rack automatically engages with the lifting arms through self-aligning features including guide pins that fit into guide holes and complementary geometric shapes on the rack and lifting arm surfaces. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual attachment requirements while ensuring reliable engagement through inherent mechanical guidance and positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide pins act as intermediary elements between the rack and lifting arms, providing precise alignment and positioning during the engagement process. These pins fit into corresponding guide holes and ensure that the rack and lifting arm are properly aligned before final engagement, preventing improper attachment while maintaining simple device architecture.
2Device complexity
If rack is lifted from one side only, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates causing rack to topple down
Solution Approach 1:
The elevating system is segmented into multiple independent lifting arms positioned at different locations along the rack. Each lifting arm operates independently but coordinates to provide balanced support, distributing the lifting load across multiple contact points to maintain rack stability and prevent toppling during elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lifting arms are combined to work together as a unified elevating system. The lifting arms are synchronized to elevate the rack simultaneously from multiple sides, creating stable support throughout the elevation process. This merging of multiple lifting elements provides both the simplicity of individual arm design and the stability of multi-point support.
3Device complexity
If no engagement indication is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as user cannot confirm proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indication features such as colored indicators or position-dependent color changes on the rack or lifting arms provide immediate visual confirmation of proper engagement. When the rack is correctly positioned and engaged, the indicators display a specific color or pattern that reassures the user of secure attachment without requiring complex sensing or notification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the user through audible clicks, visual indicators, or tactile sensations that confirm proper engagement. For example, a audible click occurs when guide pins engage with guide holes, or visual indicators change position to show that the rack is securely attached to the lifting arms, enabling users to confirm engagement status at a glance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2) having two side walls (3); a door (4) providing access into the body (2); at least one rack (5) whereon the items to be washed are placed, having a washing position wherein the rack (5) is entirely inside the body (2) and a loading/unloading position wherein the rack (5) is partially taken outside the body (2) by being pulled forwards, and an elevating means (6) that enables the rack (5) in the loading/unloading position to move in the vertical direction and that has at least one lifting arm (7) enabling the rack (5) to be supported by extending in the horizontal direction from the side walls (3).