Dishwasher Rack Securing Mechanism Using Tapered Wedge Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face issues with rack instability due to uneven load distribution, leading to tilting or wobbling, which affects user experience and the durability of components, while also requiring cost-efficient and user-friendly solutions for height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a securing mechanism featuring a protruding element and a tapered portion, where the protruding element extends into the tapered portion to secure the rack in a vertical position, utilizing the wedge effect for stability and incorporating displaceable securing members for easy adjustment, allowing for multiple vertical positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting arrangements with rails and brackets are used to allow rack extraction and height adjustment, then the rack can be extracted and positioned at different vertical positions, but the rack becomes unstable and wobbly under uneven load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into separate components: a retaining element with a retaining portion and a protruding element. The retaining portion engages with the protruding element to secure the rack, while the protruding element can be independently positioned at different vertical locations along the rail, enabling both stability and height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding element is pre-positioned at specific vertical positions along the rail before the rack is installed. This preliminary positioning allows the rack to be securely retained at predetermined heights without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional securing mechanisms are used to secure the rack at different vertical positions, then height adjustment is possible, but the mechanism becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is extracted from a complex mechanical system and simplified to a basic engagement between a retaining portion and a protruding element. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining the essential height adjustment and securing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element serves multiple functions: it secures the rack vertically, allows height adjustment through different protruding element positions, and provides a simple extraction mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rack is designed to accommodate various items with uneven weight distribution, then versatility is improved, but the mounting details are subjected to uneven loads causing tilting or wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element and protruding element are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide stable engagement regardless of the load distribution on the rack. The retaining portion's shape and the protruding element's configuration create a mechanically stable connection that resists tilting and wobbling even when loads are unevenly distributed.
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
The solution provides a stable and cost-effective securing mechanism that maintains rack stability under varying loads, enhances user experience by simplifying adjustments, and optimizes the use of existing components.
Implementation Method 1
the tapered portion is arranged to prevent movement of the protruding element through the tapered portion to secure the rack in relation to the bracket
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
Herein a dishwasher (1) is disclosed comprising a washing chamber (3), a rack (5), and a bracket (7). The rack (5) is slidably arranged in relation to the bracket (7) to provide different vertical positions of the rack (5) in relation to the washing chamber (3). The dishwasher (1) comprises a securing mechanism (11) configured to secure the rack (5) in relation to the 5 bracket (7), in at least a first vertical position of the rack (5) in relation to the washing chamber (3). The securing mechanism (11) comprises a protruding element (15) and a tapered portion (17). The protruding element (15) is arranged to extend into the tapered portion (17) when the rack (5) is in the first vertical position. The tapered portion (17) is arranged to prevent movement of the protruding element (15) through the tapered portion 10 (17) to secure the rack (5) in relation to the bracket (7).