Dish Rack Pivot Assembly to Prevent Rail Binding During Door Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight and binding issues of a loaded dish rack in a dishwasher can inhibit door closure, causing improper positioning of items and potential skewing, especially when using a rail system, which exacerbates binding and prevents proper cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design incorporating a pivot system that couples the dish rack to the tub, allowing cooperative pivoting with the door, enabling smooth closure even when the rack is partially overlying the door, using a slide system and pivot assemblies to facilitate movement and prevent jostling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dish rack is extended out of the dishwasher on wheels, then the rack is easily accessible for loading and unloading, but the weight and binding of the loaded rack inhibit door closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivot system that allows the dish rack to dynamically change its orientation relative to the door. Instead of being fixed horizontally, the rack can pivot to an angled position during door closure, converting the binding horizontal movement into a smooth rotational motion that accommodates the door's weight and prevents binding on the rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the dish rack's movement. By enabling the rack to pivot not only horizontally but also at an angle relative to the door, the system transforms a one-dimensional linear movement problem into a two-dimensional rotational solution, allowing the rack to clear the door path during closure.
2Force
If sufficient force is applied to overcome the weight of the loaded dish rack, then the door can close, but the rack slides quickly backward and jostles contents
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot system transforms the abrupt linear sliding motion into a controlled rotational movement. As the door closes, the rack pivots smoothly along with the door's motion, distributing the force application over a longer time period and preventing sudden jerks that would jostle the contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as a mechanical cushion by providing a gradual transition path during door closure. The rotational degrees of freedom absorb and distribute the closing force, preventing the sudden impact that would occur with direct horizontal sliding against the door stop.
3Length of moving object
If a rail system is used for the dish rack, then the rack can be extended outward, but movement of the door causes binding of the rails
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot system introduces dynamic movement capability to the rail-mounted rack. Instead of being constrained to purely horizontal linear movement along the rails, the rack can now pivot at an angle, converting the binding linear sliding motion into a smooth rotational movement that clears the door path during closure.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the pivot mechanism, the system introduces a second degree of freedom (rotational angle) to the rack's movement. This transforms the one-dimensional rail sliding into a two-dimensional motion path, allowing the rack to clear the door during closure without binding the rails.
4Strength
If the telescopic rail section is forced upward by door contact, then the rails bind, but this prevents movement of either the door or rail
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot system is designed to engage before the door contacts the extended rail section. By initiating the pivoting motion in advance, the rack is already positioned at an angle that prevents the door from forcing the telescopic rail upward, thereby avoiding binding before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism provides a preliminary counter-action to the potential binding force. By allowing the rack to pivot away from the door path in advance, the system prevents the upward forcing action that would cause the telescopic rails to bind, eliminating the problem before it arises.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a slide system for sliding movement of a dish rack in and out of a wash chamber, and a pivot system to enable cooperative pivoting of the dish rack and an access door when the dish rack at least partially overlies the door and the door is pivoted from an opened to a closed position.