Dishwasher Running-Surface Bridge for Smooth Rack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face poor rideability issues due to a gap between the washing container and inner door running surfaces when the door is fully open, requiring multiple roller elements to prevent sagging, which does not reliably maintain level surfaces and affects loading/unloading efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element bridges the gap between the washing container and inner door running surfaces when the door is open, creating a continuous running surface, reducing the need for multiple roller elements and enhancing rideability, and is designed to be compact, retractable, and temperature-resistant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple roller elements (up to eight) are used to prevent sagging in the gap area, then the storage container can be pulled out, but the running properties remain poor and the first and inner door treads are not reliably level
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element (bridge) is introduced as an intermediary component between the washing container running surface and the inner door running surface. This bridge spans the gap and provides a continuous running surface, eliminating the need for multiple roller elements to compensate for the discontinuity. The bridge acts as a mediator that connects the two separate running surfaces, ensuring level and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The running surface is segmented into three continuous parts: the washing container running surface, the connecting element (bridge), and the inner door running surface. This segmentation creates an uninterrupted path for the storage container, allowing it to roll smoothly from the washing container through the bridge to the inner door area without encountering gaps or levelness issues.
2Ease of operation
If a connecting element is introduced to bridge the gap, then running properties improve and roller elements can be reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with dynamic characteristics, being pivotably mounted to allow it to adapt to different door positions. When the door is closed, the connecting element is retracted into the washing container; when the door opens, it pivots into position to bridge the gap. This dynamic design allows a single element to perform multiple functions across different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves multiple functions: it bridges the gap between running surfaces, provides structural support, enables smooth rolling motion, and adapts to different door positions. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single versatile element.
3Volume of moving object
If the connecting element is made retractable to save space when door is closed, then available space in washing compartment is maintained, but the mechanism for positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to position itself automatically based on door movement. As the door opens or closes, the connecting element passively pivots into or out of its operational position through the force of the door movement itself, without requiring separate actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. This self-positioning capability maintains space efficiency while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable mounting acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates door movement into the corresponding positioning of the connecting element. This simple pivot connection allows the connecting element to respond automatically to door position changes, achieving space-efficient retraction without requiring complex active control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher with a door (6) or a dishwashing compartment (4) in which can be arranged a storage container (28) which is intended for items which have to be cleaned and on which are arranged rolling elements (30) for moving the storage container, it being possible for the rolling elements to be moved on a dishwashing-compartment running surface (8), on a floor plane of the dishwashing compartment (4), and on an inner-door running surface (10), on an inner surface (20) of the open door (6). The invention is characterized by the provision of at least one connecting element (14) which at least partially bridges a gap between the dishwashing-compartment running surface (8) and the inner-door running surface (10) when the door is opened to the full extent.