Pull-Out Dishwasher Cutlery Tray With Sliding Height-Shift Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher cutlery trays are inconvenient to adjust and result in reduced load capacity when trying to optimize space for larger dishes, leading to increased complexity, cost, and decreased reliability.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out tray with at least two inserts supported by distinct pairs of crossbars, allowing horizontal sliding and vertical shifting to enable multiple configurations without reducing load capacity, using metal wire support members for smooth sliding and preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile inserts are provided to increase flexibility of use, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into multiple independent inserts (first insert, second insert, third insert) that can be independently positioned, removed, or configured. Each insert can be adjusted separately to create different configurations, providing flexibility without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts are designed to be mobile and reconfigurable within the tray structure. The first and second inserts can be positioned at different locations (front/rear, left/right) and the third insert can be removed entirely, allowing dynamic adaptation to different loading needs without permanent structural changes.
2Volume of moving object
If inserts are made removable to reduce area occupied, then volume of moving object is reduced, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into multiple independent inserts that can be selectively removed or repositioned. This allows the occupied area to be reduced by removing unnecessary inserts while maintaining the structural integrity and reliability of the remaining components through simple, robust connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to increase flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inserts are designed with simple mobile connections that allow easy repositioning between front and rear locations, or complete removal, without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The dynamic configuration is achieved through straightforward insertions and extractions rather than intricate mechanical adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to reposition inserts, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is constructed from multiple simple, modular inserts with standardized connections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, avoiding the need for complex integrated adjustment mechanisms while maintaining flexibility through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts are designed as universal, multi-functional components that can serve different purposes (cutlery storage, glass storage, etc.) depending on their position and configuration. This universality reduces the need for specialized expensive mechanisms, as the same basic insert structure performs multiple functions through simple repositioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pull-out tray for dishwasher comprises a metal wire frame (1) and two removable and slidable cutlery inserts (2a, 2b) that are supported by separate support crossbars (1a, 1b) of the frame (1), one pair of the support crossbars (2a, 2b) being shaped so as to achieve also a vertical shifting of the insert (2a) supported thereon between an upper level and a lower level of the frame (1). This tray has a greater flexibility of use since it can take multiple configurations that allow an optimal exploitation of the space available in the wash tank, for example decreasing by 50% the area occupied by the tray without reducing its loading capacity or allowing to load also cups and glasses thereon.