Dishwasher Rack Deployment Mechanism for User Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher racks in typical dishwashers are often of a size, shape, or position that makes them unnoticed by users, particularly the uppermost racks, due to their low profile and interrupted viewing angles, leading to difficulties in accessing or being aware of their presence.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher rack system with a handle and biasing mechanism that can be actuated from a stowed position to a deployed position using the door mechanism, allowing the rack to project through the front opening of the dishwasher tub, and optionally utilizing magnetic engagement for deployment and stowage, enabling user awareness and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rack is kept in a stowed position within the dishwasher tub, then space utilization is improved, but user awareness and accessibility of the rack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a stowed position (for space efficiency) and a deployed position (for user accessibility). The biasing mechanism enables automatic transition to the deployed position when the door opens, making the rack visible and accessible without permanently occupying extra space.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism pre-positions the rack for deployment by storing mechanical energy during door closure. When the door opens, this stored energy automatically propels the rack to the deployed position, eliminating the need for user effort to access the rack while maintaining compact storage when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the rack is deployed to a visible position for user awareness, then accessibility is improved, but space efficiency within the dishwasher tub deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack transitions from a compact stowed position to an extended deployed position only when needed (during door opening). This dynamic behavior allows the rack to occupy minimal space during washing cycles while providing full accessibility during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack alternates between stowed and deployed states in periodic cycles corresponding to door opening and closing. During the washing phase, the rack remains stowed for space efficiency; during loading/unloading phases, it deploys for accessibility, creating a rhythmic pattern of position changes.
3Ease of operation
If a biasing mechanism is added to deploy the rack, then user accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is self-actuating and requires no external power source, control systems, or user intervention. It automatically deploys the rack using mechanical energy stored during door closure, and the system maintains itself without requiring additional complexity for power management or control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism serves as a simple mechanical intermediary between the door movement and the rack position. It converts the door's closing motion into stored energy that automatically propels the rack forward, creating a direct mechanical linkage without requiring complex control systems.
4Volume of moving object
If the handle is positioned away from the front opening, then space inside the tub is maximized, but user awareness and access to the handle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is dynamically positioned relative to the rack, moving with the rack between stowed and deployed states. When the rack deploys during door opening, the handle extends toward the front opening, becoming visible and accessible to users, while retraction during door closure maximizes tub space.
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 ensures user awareness and accessibility of the rack by deploying it to a visible position, facilitating loading and unloading while maintaining efficient use of space within the dishwasher tub.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing mechanism may urge the handle to the second deployed position towards the front opening of the dishwasher tub
Implementation Method 2
the rack may include a handle and at least one biasing mechanism, wherein the handle may be positionable between a second stowed position and a second deployed position different from the second stowed position
Implementation Method 3
the rack may include one or more linkage members interconnecting the handle to a remaining portion of the rack
Implementation Method 4
the door may actuate the first portion from the second stowed position to the second deployed position and correspondingly decreases a force of the biasing mechanism
Implementation Method 5
the door may include at least one of one or more magnetic members having at least one metal member and one or more magnets, and wherein the rack may include the other of the one or more magnetic members and the one or more magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for an appliance such as a dish washing appliance. Deployment of the rack may allow the user to become aware of the presence of the rack within the dish washing appliance. At least one rack is positionable from a stowed position to at least one deployed position. The rack may be deployed or actuated with a door and/or a second rack. The door and/or second rack may carry, force, or actuate the rack to a deployed position. The deployed position of the rack may not be a fully deployed position of the rack.