A dishwasher comprising an elevating means
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dishwashers, users experience strain and backaches due to the need to bend when loading or unloading lower racks, which are not securely attached to elevating means, leading to potential dislodging and falling during use.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher employs lifting arms on the side walls and a locking mechanism with a rotating locking hub and spring system that secures the rack to the elevating means, preventing dislodging and allowing easy access without bending, using an L-shaped channel for reduced force exertion and dual locking hubs for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack is not attached to the elevating means, then the rack can be easily removed, but the rack may dislodge and fall during use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. When the rack is pulled forward to the loading/unloading position, the locking hub rotates to the unlocked state, allowing easy removal. When the rack is in the washing position, the locking hub is in the locked state, securing the rack firmly. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between ease of removal and rack stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means operates automatically based on rack position. The spring-loaded locking hub self-activates when the rack moves to the loading/unloading position, rotating to the unlocked state without user intervention. Conversely, when the rack is pushed back, the locking hub automatically returns to the locked state. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual locking/unlocking while maintaining both stability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the rack is securely locked to the elevating means, then the rack stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent module (locking hub with spring mechanism) that can operate autonomously. This extracted locking means is integrated into the existing rack structure at the rear wall, adding minimal complexity while providing reliable locking. The locking hub's rotational movement around the longitudinal axis creates a simple yet effective locking action that secures the rack without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure acts as an intermediary element between the locking hub and the rack. The channel guides the locking hub's rotational movement and provides the geometric constraint necessary for locking. This intermediary channel simplifies the overall locking mechanism by providing a passive structural guide rather than requiring active control elements, thus maintaining low complexity while achieving reliable rack stability.
3Productivity
If the lower rack is positioned at a lower height, then the washing capacity is improved, but the user experiences strain and backaches
Solution Approach 1:
The elevating means with lifting arms creates an equipotential condition by mechanically raising the lower rack to a height that is ergonomically suitable for the user. The lifting arms, connected to the rack at the rear corners, provide mechanical support that counteracts gravity, allowing the rack to be positioned at an elevated, comfortable height for loading and unloading while maintaining the washing capacity benefits of having a lower rack position during operation.
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 ensures the rack remains securely attached to the elevating means during movement, preventing falls and dislodging, even under external factors like shaking or accidental impacts, while allowing easy loading and unloading without manual mechanisms, enhancing user safety and reducing strain.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, one end of which is connected to the eccentric, the other end to the rack and which provides the rotation of the locking hub
Implementation Method 2
the channel is L-shaped. By means of the L-shaped channel, the user is enabled to exert a lesser amount of force for rotating the locking hub
Data Source
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); a 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 having at least two lifting arms (7) that enable the rack (5) to be supported, each extending in the horizontal direction from one of the side walls (3).