Dishwasher Rack Lifting with Worm Gear for Ergonomic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers require users to kneel or bend to load and unload lower racks, which can be inconvenient and may pose ergonomic challenges.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a lifting device featuring an electric drive device mounted on the washing tub or base support, allowing the washware holder to be raised or lowered using a worm gear mechanism, which is positioned between the side wall and the top of the washing compartment, providing design flexibility and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lower rack is disposed near the bottom of the washing tub, then the washing compartment can accommodate multiple racks vertically, but loading and unloading requires users to kneel or bend which creates ergonomic challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device automatically raises the lower rack to a convenient height before the user needs to load or unload items, eliminating the need for users to kneel or bend. The rack is preliminarily positioned at an ergonomically favorable height through automated actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lower rack and the user. This mediator automatically adjusts the rack height, transferring the loading/unloading task from direct manual manipulation at low height to automated positioning followed by easy access at elevated height.
2Ease of operation
If a lifting device with electric drive is installed, then the lower rack can be automatically raised and lowered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical lifting mechanisms (such as complex pulley systems, linkages, or counterweights) are replaced with a compact electric drive device. This substitution simplifies the overall structure by using electric motors with integrated gearboxes that provide the necessary torque and motion control in a space-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric drive device serves multiple functions: it provides lifting force, controls rack positioning, and can be integrated with the dishwasher's control system for automated operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components for each function.
3Area of stationary object
If the drive device is mounted on the washing tub or base support, then space is efficiently utilized, but the overall weight of the dishwasher increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is mounted on the vertical surface of the washing tub or base support rather than occupying horizontal space within the washing chamber. This utilizes the vertical dimension and available surface area, efficiently using the three-dimensional space without encroaching on the washing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes the drive device parameters (motor size, gear ratio, mounting configuration) to achieve the necessary lifting capability with minimal weight addition. By carefully selecting parameters, the weight increase is minimized while maintaining the required performance.
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 convenient loading and unloading of lower racks without bending, reduces the need for a counterweight, and allows for cost-effective manufacturing by optimizing the use of space and reducing the overall weight of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
A dishwasher with a washing compartment (2) and at least one washware holder (11) that can be moved into or out of the washing compartment (2)... the lifting device (10) having an electric drive device (15)... positioned between the side wall and the top of the washing compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher (1) with a washing item holder (11) and a lifting device (10) which is set up to raise the washing item holder (11) from a starting position to an end position or to lower it from the end position to the starting position, the lifting device (10) has an electric drive device (15) which is arranged on a washing container (2) or on a base support (9) of the dishwasher (1).