Dishwasher Rack Height Adjuster Using Lever-Based Manual Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher rack height adjustment mechanisms are often complex, difficult to operate, and unstable, lacking cost-effectiveness and user-friendly design.
Innovation Solution
A vertical height adjustment mechanism for a dishwasher rack, featuring a control arm with side levers and a frontal cross bar that allows manual vertical shifting, combined with a latching mechanism for secure positioning, enabling easy and stable adjustment between multiple height settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complicated adjustment mechanisms are used to enable vertical shifting of the dish rack, then the height adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: control arms for initiating movement, support rails for guiding motion, and latching mechanisms for securing positions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex motors or electronic controls to achieve height adjustment, the patent employs a manual mechanical system where simple control arms leverage user input force directly through the support rails to move the rack, inverting the typical automated approach.
2Reliability
If complex latching mechanisms are used to secure the rack in position, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the control arm. When the control arm is in the lowered position, the latch automatically secures the rack; when raised, it automatically releases. This eliminates the need for separate manual latching actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system uses gravity and spring forces to maintain the latch in either engaged or disengaged state, creating stable equilibrium positions that require minimal force to transition between states, making operation effortless.
3Device complexity
If hidden buttons and sticky latches are used in the adjustment mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm serves as an intermediary element that the user directly manipulates to initiate rack movement. This visible, accessible control arm replaces hidden buttons and sticky latches, providing a clear mechanical interface between user action and rack adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arm is designed to move through a defined range of motion, dynamically transitioning between lowered (latched) and raised (unlatched) positions. This dynamic mechanical interface provides clear tactile feedback and eliminates static, difficult-to-activate controls.
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 mechanism provides a cost-effective, user-friendly, and stable solution for adjusting the dishwasher rack height, enhancing operational ease and flexibility while maintaining stability during washing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one control arm which includes side levers extending along and pivotally mounted to respective sides of the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending along a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position.