Dishwasher Rack Height Adjustment With Snap-Fit Slot Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher rack height adjustment systems are complex and require multiple fasteners, such as screws, making them difficult to assemble and secure without separate fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A rack height adjustment system comprising a rack plate assembly with a handle and wheel plate assembly, where the rack plate is secured to the rack using integral structures without screws, utilizing a biasing spring to engage and disengage adjustment slots for height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated height-adjusting system with multiple fasteners is used, then the rack height can be adjusted, but the assembly becomes difficult and requires separate fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack height adjustmentVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack plate assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the rack plate itself, the handle mechanism, and the securing features are combined into one integrated assembly that attaches to the rack without requiring separate fasteners. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies assembly while maintaining height adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack plate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides height adjustment through the wheel plate assembly engagement, structural support for the rack, and self-securing through integral structures. The handle mechanism also serves dual purposes as both an adjustment tool and a securing element, eliminating the need for separate fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated height-adjusting system with multiple fasteners is used, then the rack height can be adjusted, but the assembly requires separate and distinct fasteners such as screws

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack height adjustmentVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the rack plate is secured using integral structures without separate fasteners, then assembly is simplified, but the securing mechanism must be self-contained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidself-contained mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack plate assembly is designed to be self-sufficient with all securing features integrated into the assembly itself. The handle mechanism automatically engages with the wheel plate assembly through the adjustment slot, and the rack-securing members are built into the rack plate structure. This self-service design eliminates the need for external fasteners while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The handle acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the wheel plate assembly. By manipulating the handle, the user can engage or disengage the rack plate assembly from the wheel plate assembly through the adjustment slot, providing a simple interface for height adjustment without requiring direct manipulation of complex securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the handle is pivotally secured to allow engagement and disengagement, then height adjustment is enabled, but the mechanism requires a biasing spring for secure engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment operationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing spring provides automatic engagement force, causing the handle to naturally snap into the secured position with the wheel plate assembly without requiring manual adjustment or additional fasteners. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable securing while adding only one component to enable easy height adjustment operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system allows for easy adjustment and securement of the rack height within a dishwasher without the need for separate fasteners, simplifying assembly and use, while ensuring stability and preventing dislodging.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing spring that biases the handle so that the portion of the handle securely engages the wheel plate through the at least one adjustment slot in a secured position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8534471B2Height adjustment device for a dishwasher rack

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for adjusting a height of a rack within a dishwasher. The system includes a rack plate assembly and a wheel plate assembly. The rack plate assembly is configured to be secured to the rack. The rack plate assembly includes a rack plate and a handle pivotally secured to the rack plate. The wheel plate assembly is adjustably secured with respect to the rack plate. The wheel plate assembly includes a wheel plate having at least one adjustment slot. A portion of the handle securely engages the wheel plate through the at least one adjustment slot. The portion of the handle is configured to disengage from the at least one adjustment slot in order to adjust the rack plate with respect to the wheel plate.