Dishwasher Rack Retaining Clip for Non-Cylindrical Object Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher fixing devices are not easily integratable with a large number of crockery baskets, cannot reliably secure non-cylindrical or lightweight objects, and are not retrofittable to existing baskets with mostly vertical elements.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a non-rotating first section for vertical basket coupling and a manually deformable S-shaped second section acting as a retaining clip, allowing snap connection to vertical elements, providing a pre-stress for secure positioning of objects against the basket element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the known fixing device is used with vertical basket elements, then it cannot be directly connected to provide stop means for objects, but the device structure remains simple

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into two functional sections: a first section for coupling to the basket and a second section forming a curve with stop means. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally - the first section provides structural support while the second section provides the stopping function for objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of connecting the fixing device directly to horizontal basket elements as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by connecting to vertical basket elements and configuring the second section to extend horizontally, thereby providing stop means in the horizontal direction where they were previously absent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If horizontal basket elements are used for lateral limitation, then objects can be secured, but objects like spoons and ladles fall out laterally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject retentionVSAvoidcompatibility with basket types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is designed to be universally compatible with both horizontal and vertical basket elements. The first section can couple to either type of element, and the second section adapts its orientation accordingly, providing both structural support and stop means functionality regardless of basket element orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic adaptability through its two-section design where the second section can be configured in different orientations. When connected to vertical basket elements, the second section extends horizontally to provide stop means, whereas with horizontal elements it extends vertically, allowing the same device to function effectively in different basket configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the known fixing device is used with few horizontal elements, then it cannot be retrofitted, but using more elements increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofit capabilityVSAvoidbasket element requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention requires only a single vertical basket element for installation, which is a partial action approach compared to prior art requiring multiple horizontal elements. This minimal requirement enables retrofitting to existing baskets without needing to add multiple elements, while the single element provides sufficient support when combined with the two-section fixing device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Ease of operation

If three horizontal basket elements are used with predefined spacing, then the fixing device degree of freedom is determined, but the device cannot be easily integrated into baskets with vertical elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing device positioningVSAvoidbasket element compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from relying on horizontal spacing (one dimension) to utilizing vertical basket elements (adding a vertical dimension). The first section couples to the vertical element, and the second section extends horizontally to provide stop means, effectively using both vertical and horizontal dimensions to achieve proper positioning and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables easy integration and secure fixing of variously shaped objects in a wide range of crockery baskets, including lightweight items, with the ability to be retrofitted and easily removed for washing.

Implementation Method 1

the second section which extends substantially vertically forming a curve... embodied as a retaining clip which is suitable for being clipped in a hollow vessel, for example, a glass or a vase, to rest against the inner wall of the vessel in a springy manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second section embodied as an S-shaped retaining clip... presses it against the vertical basket element aligned centrally to the retaining clip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8418703B2Device for fitting an object in a dishwasher
Publication Date: 2013.04.16 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • US8418703B2 patent drawing
  • US8418703B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for fitting an object in a dishwasher is provided. The device can be easily integrated as complementary equipment in a large number of the dishwasher racks and provides the user with the possibility of rapidly filling objects and even fitting objects which are non cylindrical in shape. The fixing device comprises a first section designed to be coupled with the rack of a dishwasher, and a second section that extends substantially vertically forming a curve, the first section being designed to be non rotating and to be coupled with a vertical element of the dishwasher rack.