Dishwasher Rack Height Adjustment With Self-Locking Lever Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in accommodating large items due to fixed basket heights, leading to difficulties in loading and unloading, and previous height adjustment mechanisms often require excessive force or are cumbersome to operate.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a height adjustment mechanism featuring a lever arm and carrying element on the same vertical plane, allowing for adjustable basket height without requiring manual actuation to move the basket from lower to upper positions, supported by both the lever arm and body, with an inclined surface facilitating effortless height changes and differential forces for opening and releasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the basket height is made fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but large sized items cannot be placed in the dishwasher
Solution Approach 1:
The basket height is made dynamically adjustable through a height adjustment mechanism that allows the basket to be positioned at multiple height levels. The mechanism includes a lever arm that can engage with locking positions at different heights, enabling the basket to adapt to various loading requirements while maintaining structural stability when locked in place.
2Strength
If extra support plates are added to support basket weight, then the basket can be supported when loaded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged with the height adjustment mechanism itself. The lever arm and body structure are designed to simultaneously provide both the adjustment functionality and the weight support capability. The lever arm engages with the basket and transfers its weight to the body structure, eliminating the need for separate support plates while maintaining strength and support capability.
3Reliability
If the pressing element and carrying element are positioned to require manual actuation for height adjustment, then the locking is secure, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the weight of the basket itself. When the lever arm is moved to a different height position, the basket's weight automatically causes the carrying element to engage with the locking position, securing the basket at the new height without requiring additional manual actuation. This maintains reliability while significantly improving ease of 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
Enables balanced and effortless adjustment of the basket height, reducing the need for manual force during transitions and ensuring stable support, preventing deformation and breakage through protrusions and stoppers, while maintaining secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm (7) having a housing (19) that opens to the upper edge of the body (18), a pressing element (9) that extends outwards from the body (18), a carrying element (10) emplaced in the housing (19) and a support (8) between the pressing element (9) and the carrying element (10), forming a moment axis situated on the same vertical level as the carrying element (10)
Implementation Method 2
The carrying surface has an inclined surface. Thus, while the basket moves from the lower position to the upper position, the user does not require actuating the pressing element (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a height adjustable basket (2) for a dishwasher (1), wherein items to be washed are emplaced, having a base (3) and side walls (4) that enclose the base (3), at least one lock wire (5) secured horizontally to the side wall (4) and a height adjustment mechanism (6) having a body (18) whereon the basket (2) is mounted, the basket (2) moving up and down on the body (18) for the height to be adjusted.