Dishwasher Rack Roller Assembly With Nested Axles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing appliance rack assemblies with wire axles are prone to damage, flexing, and aesthetic issues, leading to improper movement and structural weakness, which can result in increased maintenance costs and consumer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A roller assembly with a primary axle and secondary axles, where rollers are rotatable and securely attached to the appliance rack, providing enhanced strength and aesthetics by hiding the rollers from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wire member is used as an axle for the wheel, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the wire member is easily damaged, bent, and flexes under weight, adversely affecting wheel performance
Solution Approach 1:
The axle is segmented into two distinct components: a primary axle member that provides structural support and a secondary axle member that interfaces with the wheel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the primary axle providing robust support resistant to bending and damage, while the secondary axle facilitates proper wheel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary axle is nested within or attached to the primary axle member, creating a composite axle structure. This nesting arrangement combines the structural advantages of the primary axle with the functional benefits of the secondary axle, resulting in an assembly that is both strong and reliable while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction.
2Device complexity
If the wheel and wire axle are visible from the top and sides of the rack, then the structure is simple, but the appearance is unattractive and appears structurally weak to consumers
Solution Approach 1:
A cosmetic cover or housing is introduced as an intermediary element that encloses the primary and secondary axles while allowing the wheel to rotate. This cover serves as a mediator between the functional mechanical components and the aesthetic requirements, hiding the structural elements from view while maintaining their operational integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cosmetic cover is applied selectively to specific regions where the axles are visible, such as the top and sides of the rack. This localized application of aesthetic treatment allows the functional components to remain simple and unencumbered while improving the overall appearance in critical visual areas without adding unnecessary complexity throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A roller assembly for an appliance such as e.g., a rack assembly of a dishwashing appliance is provided. The roller assembly is connected to e.g., the rack of the appliance. The roller assembly includes a roller that is carried upon a primary axle into which a secondary axle is received. One or more such rollers can be used with each roller assembly. The construction can provide improved strength over conventional designs such as e.g., where the roller is directly connected to a wire member. Certain embodiments can also provide aesthetic benefits in that the rollers can be partially or completely hidden depending upon the viewing angle.