Dishwasher Rack Pivot Arm and Actuator Assembly for Ergonomic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers limit user ergonomics and flexibility due to fixed rack movement, particularly for disabled and elderly users, as racks can only be moved horizontally, requiring bending for loading and unloading, which can cause physical discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a pivot arm arrangement and an actuator assembly that allows the rack to be elevated from a lower to an upper position, enabling horizontal movement beyond the initial extracted position, providing two user-friendly pathways for loading and unloading, and allowing access to lower chamber areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack is moved horizontally only, then the device structure is simple, but the user ergonomics deteriorate requiring bending for loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm arrangement enables the rack to move dynamically between horizontal and elevated positions, transforming a static horizontal movement system into a dynamic multi-position system that adapts to user needs while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds vertical dimension to the rack movement by incorporating elevation capability through the pivot arm mechanism, allowing the rack to move not only horizontally but also vertically to an elevated position, thereby improving ergonomics without excessive structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot arm arrangement is fixed in lower position, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility and user choices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it can elevate the rack, allow horizontal movement past the first extracted position, and be transferred between states to provide different operational modes, making a single component perform multiple roles to enhance flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to self-select operational modes by transferring the actuator assembly between states, enabling users to choose between elevated position mode and extended horizontal movement mode based on their specific needs without requiring complex control systems
3Ease of operation
If the rack is elevated to upper position, then the loading/unloading ergonomics improve, but the accessibility to lower chamber areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack position is made dynamic and selectable, allowing users to choose between elevated position for ergonomic loading/unloading and lower positions for accessing chamber areas, with the actuator assembly enabling flexible transition between these states
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rack movement is limited to first extracted position, then the device structure is simple, but the horizontal accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly provides multiple operational capabilities: it enables both the elevated position function and the extended horizontal movement function, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes and enhance accessibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher (1) is disclosed comprising a washing chamber (3), a rack (5), and a pivot arm arrangement (7) supporting the rack (5) relative to the washing chamber (3). The pivot arm arrangement (7) is movable from a lower position to an upper position so as to elevate the rack (5) from the first extracted position to an elevated position. The dishwasher (1) further comprises an actuator assembly (11) transferrable between a first state in which the actuator assembly (11) is configured to cause the pivot arm arrangement (7) to move from the lower position towards the upper position upon movement of the rack (5) to a first extracted position, and a second state in which the actuator assembly (11) is configured to allow movement of the rack (5) in a horizontal direction (d1) out from the washing chamber (3) past the first extracted position.