Dishwasher Rack Pull-In Device Using Mechanical Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers lack an efficient mechanism for automatically and gently guiding crockery containers into and out of the washing compartment, which can lead to manual strain and potential breakage during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical energy storage device, such as a tension spring, is used to absorb energy when the crockery container is moved out and release it to assist in moving it back in, with a latch device ensuring automatic engagement and disengagement, and a damping mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical energy storage device (tension spring) is used to automatically move the crockery container into the washing compartment, then the ease of operation is improved and manual effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of the energy storage device and fastening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The tension spring is configured to automatically pull the crockery container into the washing compartment without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the stored mechanical energy to perform the retraction motion, eliminating the need for users to manually push or guide the container back in place
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device acts as an intermediary mechanism that couples the crockery container to the tension spring. It temporarily holds the container in the retracted position and automatically releases it when needed, mediating between the user's manual insertion action and the spring's automatic retraction force
2Ease of operation
If the tension spring is used to support the movement of the crockery container, then the gentleness of operation is improved and breakage is prevented, but the reliability may worsen due to potential failure of the mechanical energy storage device
Solution Approach 1:
The tension spring is designed to provide only partial support for moving the crockery container into the washing compartment. It assists the motion rather than providing full force, allowing user control to remain dominant while still benefiting from the spring's gentle guiding effect and reduced breakage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The tension spring is pre-tensioned during the manufacturing or installation process to store mechanical energy in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the spring is ready to immediately assist the retraction motion when the container is inserted, providing consistent gentle guidance without requiring active control
3Ease of operation
If the fastening device automatically engages and disengages during movement, then the ease of operation is improved and manual intervention is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the automatic engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is designed to automatically engage with the crockery container when it is inserted into the washing compartment and to automatically disengage when the container is removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually operate latches or fasteners, reducing operational complexity despite the increased mechanical complexity of the automatic engagement system
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
This solution allows for easy, automatic, and gentle movement of crockery containers into their final position, reducing manual effort and preventing breakage, enhancing the overall user experience and quality of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical energy storage device, such as a tension spring, is used to absorb energy when the crockery container is moved out and release it to assist in moving it back in
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), comprising a dishwashing compartment (2), at least one dish rack (3, 4), which can be moved out of the dishwashing compartment (2) and into the dishwashing compartment (2), and at least one pull-in device (15) having a mechanical energy store (22) for at least semi-automatically moving the dish rack (3, 4) into the dishwashing compartment (2). By moving the dish rack (3, 4) out of the dishwashing compartment (2), the energy store automatically takes up energy and automatically gives off said energy again when the dish rack (3, 4) is moved into the dishwashing compartment (2) so as to at least support the inward pushing of the dish rack (3, 4).