Dishwasher Rack Shelf With Folding Holder for Small Items
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In dishwashers, lightweight and small objects often fall into the rack during washing due to inadequate support, leading to ineffective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A shelf with an auxiliary element mounted on it, featuring slots with closed ends where pins allow rotational and sliding movements, enabling the auxiliary element to fold over the carrying surface and securely hold objects, preventing them from falling and allowing for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shelf is mounted to the side wall of the rack for placing small volume objects, then the utilization of washing space is improved, but lightweight objects fall into the rack during washing resulting in ineffective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary element is designed to be movable relative to the shelf, capable of transitioning between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when securing objects). This dynamic structure allows the shelf to adapt to different washing needs while providing reliable support for lightweight objects when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary element acts as an intermediary component between the shelf and the objects to be washed. It provides additional support and containment for lightweight objects that would otherwise fall through or off the shelf, effectively mediating between the shelf structure and the vulnerable objects.
2Area of stationary object
If the auxiliary element is extended into the rack to widen loading area, then big sized objects can be placed on the carrying surface, but the auxiliary element needs to be positioned in a balanced manner
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary element is designed to automatically balance itself when extended into the rack. By having at least some portion of the auxiliary element rest on the carrying surface, the system uses the shelf's own structure to support the auxiliary element, eliminating the need for additional balancing mechanisms or complex positioning systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pins are allowed to rotate and slide inside the slots, then the auxiliary element can be folded over and moved forwards/backwards, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The slot structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the pins during assembly, allows rotational movement for folding the auxiliary element, and enables sliding movement for extending/retracting it. This universal mounting mechanism achieves high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple construction by combining multiple degrees of freedom in a single integrated feature.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2), at least one rack (3) placed into the body (2), having a base and side walls (4) surrounding the base and wherein the objects to be washed are placed, at least one shelf (7), mounted to the side walls (4) of the rack (3), having a carrying surface (5) whereon kitchenware like cups, glasses etc can be placed. At least one slot (8) with both ends closed is located on the shelf (7) and an auxiliary element (10) having at least one pin (9) that can both rotate and slide inside the slot (8) is folded over the carrying surface (5) by being rotated around the pin (9) when the pin (9) is rested against any end of the slot (8).