Dishwasher Tray Side Lids for Dust-Free Utensil Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher trays allow dust and debris to enter when used for storage due to open grids and have cumbersome mechanisms for attaching and detaching extender modules.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher tray design featuring a base module with detachable side lids to cover grids, and extender modules that snap fit together, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and preventing dust entry with interchangeable side lids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If grids are provided in the perimeter walls of the base module and extender module, then the washing of utensils is easier, but dust and debris can enter inside the tray when used for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The side lids are made detachable rather than fixed, allowing the structure to dynamically change between open (for washing) and closed (for storage) states. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the perimeter walls to adapt their configuration based on the operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter walls are segmented by introducing detachable side lids that can be removed or attached. This segmentation allows the grid structure to remain open for washing while being closable for storage, eliminating the need for a permanently closed structure.
2Reliability
If harpoon-shaped prongs with upwardly sloped barbs are used to engage with sockets, then the extender module is securely attached, but the prongs can only be displaced by squeezing them together and using a tool, which is difficult and annoying
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring compression to release the engagement, the design inverts the mechanism by providing outwardly sloped release surfaces that convert a simple outward pulling motion into the force needed to disengage the barbs from the sockets. This makes detachment as easy as attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The release surfaces act as an intermediary mechanical element that transforms the user's simple outward pulling force into the necessary force to overcome the barbed engagement. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for tools or complex squeezing actions.
3Loss of information
If side lids with identifiers are attached to perimeter walls, then the content of the dishwasher tray can be identified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Color codes or visual identifiers are applied to the side lids to convey information about the tray contents. This uses visual properties rather than adding mechanical complexity, maintaining simplicity while providing identification functionality.
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 design effectively prevents dust and debris from entering when storing utensils while maintaining easy washing functionality and allowing for flexible module configuration.
Implementation Method 1
pairs of resilient prongs extending downwards from lower edges of the perimeter walls thereof to snap fit in the corresponding sockets of the base module or of another analogous extender module
Data Source
AI summary
The dishwasher tray has a base module including a bottom wall and perimeter walls. The bottom wall has a grid on which table utensils are placed and a drag element intended to be engaged by a dragging member of a dishwasher when the base module is introduced in the dishwasher. The perimeter walls also have grids. The dishwasher tray further includes at least one side lid intended to be detachably mounted on at least one of the perimeter walls covering one grid of the perimeter wall. Optionally, the side lid comprises protrusions that snap fit in complementary cavities provided in the perimeter wall. Optionally the side lid is colored or marked according to a color or mark code identifying the content of the dishwasher tray and/or the grids of all the perimeter walls can be covered with corresponding side lids when the tray is used for storage of table utensils.