Adjustable Dishwasher Shelf Assembly With Cam-Locked Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable shelves in appliances lack a robust and versatile mechanism to securely transition between stowed and deployed positions, often failing to provide a strong grip and secure positioning, especially when loaded with heavy or varied items.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shelf assembly featuring a flexible gripping projection that transitions from a sliding to a gripping position as the shelf pivots, combined with a cam and cam follower system, which biases the shelf to prefer either position, ensuring secure engagement with the bar and maintaining the gripping force in the deployed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a shelf is designed to pivot between stowed and deployed positions, then space utilization is improved, but secure positioning and grip strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly employs a dynamic gripping projection that changes its state between sliding and gripping positions as the shelf transitions between stowed and deployed positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the shelf to be easily moved when not in use while providing secure positioning when deployed, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping projection undergoes parameter changes in its physical state (flexing between sliding and gripping positions) as the shelf moves between positions. This parameter change enables the system to provide different levels of grip strength appropriate for each operational state, maintaining reliability while enabling space-efficient design.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible gripping projection is used to enable shelf movement, then ease of operation is improved, but gripping force consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gripping projection is designed to dynamically adjust its flexibility based on the shelf's position. When the shelf is being moved, the projection flexes to allow smooth operation. When the shelf is in the deployed position, the projection becomes more rigid to provide consistent gripping force, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and gripping force consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping projection is segmented into different functional zones with varying flexibility characteristics. This segmentation allows different portions of the projection to provide different levels of flexibility and grip strength, enabling easy shelf movement while maintaining consistent gripping force when deployed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shelf is made adjustable and pivotable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly utilizes the weight of the shelf and items on it to automatically actuate the gripping projection from the sliding position to the gripping position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional motors, sensors, or control systems, providing adaptable shelf positioning while keeping the device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping projection acts as an intermediary element that translates the weight and position of the shelf into the appropriate gripping force on the bar. This intermediary mechanism enables complex adaptable positioning functionality through a relatively simple mechanical linkage, reducing overall device complexity.
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 robust and adjustable shelf assembly that securely holds items in both stowed and deployed positions, accommodating various loads and shapes, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and efficient use of space within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible gripping projection extending from the carrier, the gripping projection capable of flexing between a gripping position and sliding position
Implementation Method 2
a cam and a cam follower that are elastically urged together, the cam moving across the cam follower as the shelf moves between a stowed position and a deployed position
Implementation Method 3
The cam follower is resilient and more relaxed at the bias position, the resiliency of the cam follower biasing the shelf to either the stowed position or the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shelf assembly for a dishwasher system is used to hold cups, bowls, spoons and other crockery items that are placed within the dishwasher. The vertical position of the shelf assembly within the dishwasher tub is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism comprising a carrier and a gripping projection. The gripping projection can move between a gripping position and sliding position. The carrier slides up and down a vertical bar. The adjustable shelf is capable of moving between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the shelf can support crockery items. The shelf can be moved and held at any position between the deployed and stowed positions. The shelf assembly includes a cam mechanism that allows the shelf to move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The shelf is partially curved in the stowed position and flexes to become straight in the deployed position.