Dishwasher Rack Assembly with Movable Tray for Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwasher rack assemblies lack usability and space efficiency, as they do not effectively accommodate dishes of varying sizes and do not allow for adjustable height adjustments within the accommodating space.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a rack assembly featuring a frame, a movably supported tray, and a link unit that connects the frame to the tray, allowing the tray to move between two locations, utilizing a lever device and elastic member for movement restriction and tray rotation, enabling adjustable height and expanded space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rack assembly uses a fixed structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability for dishes of various sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly employs a movable tray design where the tray can be adjusted between different positions using a link mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the rack to adapt to dishes of various sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall framework, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assembly is divided into separate components including the frame, movable tray, and link mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling the tray to move for adaptability while keeping the frame structure simple and easy to manufacture.
2Volume of moving object
If the rack assembly uses a movable tray structure, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure that connects the frame to the movable tray. This merging of the linkage components allows the tray to move smoothly between positions to maximize accommodating space while avoiding the need for separate complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is made movable to adjust height, then the usability is enhanced, but the reliability of the structure may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is designed to automatically maintain the tray at stable positions during movement without requiring external control systems. The mechanical linkage itself provides the stability and positioning functions, allowing easy adjustment while maintaining structural reliability through its self-contained design.
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
Enhances space efficiency and usability by allowing for adjustable height and expanded accommodating space, accommodating dishes of various sizes and improving loading capacity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member positioned between the lever and the moving bracket to elastically support the lever and the moving bracket
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a rack assembly capable of enhancing usability by improving a rack assembly structure, and a dishwasher having the rack assembly. The dishwasher includes: a washing tub; and a rack assembly provided inside the washing tub, wherein the rack assembly includes: a frame; a tray on which dishes are accommodated and which is movably supported on the frame; and a link unit connecting the frame to the tray and moving the tray to one of a first location and a second location that is lower than the first location, the link unit being rotatably coupled with the frame and the tray.