Dishwasher Rack Strap Assembly for Adaptable Article Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical dishwasher racks are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to securely hold articles of varying shapes and sizes while allowing for easy rearrangement during the wash cycle.
Innovation Solution
A strap assembly with elongated resilient members and spherical ends that can be securely attached to the rack, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure retention of articles through various orientations and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid fixed retention devices are used in dishwasher racks, then articles can be secured in position, but the rack lacks adaptability to accommodate articles of different shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device incorporates a resilient member that can dynamically adjust its position and configuration along the rack structure. This elastic element allows the device to adapt to different article shapes and sizes while maintaining securing functionality, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device utilizes changes in the resilient member's physical state (compressed, extended, relaxed) to achieve different retention configurations. By changing the parameter of the resilient member's deformation state, the device can accommodate various article dimensions without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If rigid fixed retention devices are used to secure articles, then articles are held firmly, but the devices are difficult to rearrange for adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing users to easily reposition retention devices by simply compressing or extending the elastic element. The device maintains reliable article security during normal operation but becomes easily adjustable when force is applied to the resilient member, resolving the contradiction between ease of rearrangement and retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically returns to its original position after being compressed or extended, providing self-centering and self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining both ease of operation and reliable retention, as the elastic force naturally secures articles when the device is in its resting state.
3Productivity
If fixed retention devices are used, then articles are secured in predetermined positions, but the rack cannot be easily reconfigured during the wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member enables dynamic reconfiguration of article positions during the wash cycle. Users can quickly adjust the retention device by manipulating the elastic element, allowing the rack to adapt to different loading requirements while maintaining productive cleaning operation throughout the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device changes its physical configuration through compression and extension of the resilient member, enabling rapid repositioning without requiring disassembly or complex adjustment mechanisms. This maintains high cleaning productivity while providing the flexibility to accommodate different article arrangements.
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 secure retention of articles while allowing for easy rearrangement and adjustment within the dishwasher rack, reducing movement and improving cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongated resilient member (40) having opposing ends (42, 43
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus and method of using a strap assembly (20, 120, 220) for retaining at least one article (1) to a dishwasher rack (30). The strap assembly (20, 120, 220) may include a spherical member (50) on each of the opposing ends of a resilient member (40). One or more of the strap assemblies (20, 120, 220) may be positioned in a variety of orientations with the dishwasher rack (30) to contact one or more articles (1).