Adjustable Dishwasher Rack Channel and Gripper for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher rack height adjustment mechanisms face issues such as difficulty in installation, disengagement from catches, limited height adjustment, and water accumulation during washing, particularly when trying to accommodate dishes of different sizes and preventing slippage in inclined positions.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher rack features thin, long channel-shaped fitting housings on its rear side that allow up and down movement on vertical wires for height adjustment, with grippers that secure to the basket to prevent slippage and water accumulation, and a channel design that ensures force-fit stability without requiring extra mounting work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If superposed catch structures are used for height adjustment, then the rack can be positioned at different levels, but the rack may disengage from catches during installation and requires separation from the basket for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate mechanism (the adjustable arm with gripper and channel structure) that mediates between the rack and the basket wires. This intermediary allows continuous height adjustment while maintaining secure engagement, eliminating the disengagement problems of direct catch structures and removing the need to separate the rack from the basket for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the arm can be positioned at any point along the vertical wires within the channel, allowing continuous height adjustment rather than fixed discrete positions. The gripper dynamically engages with the wires to maintain position, enabling adjustment without separating the rack from the basket.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pin with catch structure is used for height adjustment, then the cup rack can be positioned at different heights, but the pin requires extra mounting work from a second mold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism directly into the rack structure during a single molding process. The channel and gripper components are integrated into the rack body, eliminating the need for separate pins from second molds and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining height adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is designed with universal multi-functionality, where the same molded components serve both structural support and height adjustment functions. The channel accommodates the vertical wires, the gripper secures the position, and all are integrated into a single molded piece, eliminating the need for additional specialized components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rack is secured to the basket with fixed catches, then the rack position is stable, but the rack cannot be adjusted to accommodate dishes of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static catch structure into a dynamic adjustable system. The arm can be positioned at any height along the vertical wires within the channel limits, and the gripper dynamically secures the arm at the chosen position. This provides both stability when positioned and adaptability for different dish sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment mechanism into the movable arm and the fixed channel structure. The arm can be independently positioned at different heights while the channel provides the guiding and limiting structure. This segmentation allows continuous adjustment while maintaining stable positioning through the gripper-wire engagement.
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
Enables precise height adjustment of the rack without separating it from the basket, maintains balance and prevents water accumulation by allowing the rack to be securely positioned at various heights and angles, reducing the need for additional mounting and ensuring stability during washing.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing surfaces in the form of a channel which are located on the lower side of the fitting housings help rack to rest on the vertical wires of the basket when it is in the inclined position and to be secured at different heights also with the effect of the friction force.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The dishwasher rack (3) comprises at least one fitting housing (4) which extends outwards from the rear surface (9) thereof; at least one bearing surface (7) in the form of a channel which is located on the lower side of the fitting housings (4) and on the rear surface (9) of the rack (3); at least one rear gripper (5) which is used in order to prevent the change of the position that it keeps due to any contacts while there are the dirty dishes on the rack (3) when the rack (3) is in the opened position and located on said rear surface (9); also flexible materials (15) with high friction coefficient which are positioned in the areas contacting the basket wires on the rear surface (9) of the rack (3).