Dishwasher Table with Vacuum Utensil Attachment for Clip-Free Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing machines require manual loading and unloading of utensils, have limited usability due to mechanical clips, and are unsightly, restricting the types and placement of crockery and cutlery that can be washed.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher table with a vacuum system that attaches utensils to a table surface for inversion and washing, using a pivot assembly, vacuum pump, and sensors to engage and invert the table surface for washing, eliminating the need for mechanical clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clips are used to attach utensils to the table surface, then utensils can be securely held for washing, but the clips are unsightly and cannot be hidden or removed from view
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical clips from the visible surface by moving them to the underside of the table top. The clips are attached to the bottom surface of the table top and engage with utensils from below, making them invisible from the dining surface while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is inverted by placing the clips on the opposite side of the table top from where utensils are placed. Instead of clips protruding from the dining surface, the clips engage utensils from the underside, reversing the conventional attachment approach to solve the aesthetic problem.
2Reliability
If mechanical clips are used to attach utensils, then utensils can be held in fixed positions, but this restricts the shapes, sizes and types of crockery, glassware and cutlery that can be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The utensils themselves perform the attachment function by being inverted and having their weight cause them to engage with the clips on the underside of the table top. The utensils attach themselves without requiring specific engagement features, allowing diverse shapes, sizes and types to be accommodated.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the utensils rather than using clips to hold them upright, the system accommodates a wider variety of utensil types. The clips on the underside can engage with the inverted base of various utensils regardless of their specific shape, size or material.
3Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading of utensils is required, then the washing machine can be simple in design, but this increases the time and effort required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the table surface with the washing machine by integrating the washing mechanism into the table structure. The table top itself becomes part of the washing system, allowing utensils to be attached to the table and washed in place, eliminating the need for separate loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where utensils are attached to the table surface and remain in place during the washing cycle. The integrated design allows the table to serve both as a dining surface and a washing station, reducing manual handling time.
4Ease of manufacture
If a sink and bench surface are used for hand washing, then no special equipment is needed, but this requires exclusive use of the sink and adjacent bench space during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the washing function with the existing table structure, merging the dining and washing functions into a single piece of furniture. This eliminates the need for separate sink and bench space, allowing the table to serve dual purposes without requiring additional dedicated washing area.
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 automatic dishwashing without manual handling, allowing versatile placement of utensils and efficient washing without visible clips, enhancing user convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump connected to the manifold defined by the interior volume of the panel, whereby operation of the vacuum pump engages dining utensils placed over one or more of the apertures formed in the utensil surface with the utensil surface
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect the invention provides a dishwasher table including a housing with an interior volume for a washing assembly, and a panel located within a frame mounted to the housing. At least one side of the panel defines a utensil surface, with the panel interior volume defining a manifold in communication with a plurality of apertures formed in the utensil surface. Also provided is a pivot assembly which at least partially engages the panel with the housing and pivots the panel to present the utensil surface to the interior of the housing or to face the utensil surface away from the interior of the housing. A vacuum pump is connected to the manifold defined by the interior volume of the panel, and operation of the vacuum pump engages dinning utensils placed over one or more of the apertures formed in the utensil surface with the utensil surface.