Dishwasher Upper Basket Segmentation for Oversized Item Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face limitations in washing oversized items like baking trays or tall pots due to the restricted height space in the lower basket, which is influenced by the upper basket, leading to inefficient use of space and potential need to remove the upper basket for larger items.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a dual-part upper basket where the second section is translationally displaceable, creating an opening in the bottom wall, allowing larger items to be washed without removing the upper basket, and a spray device that adjusts its position to optimize washing liquor application based on the basket's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper basket is made fixed and complete, then the washing coverage for regular dishes is optimized, but the available height space in the lower basket is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper basket is divided into a fixed first sub-section and a movable second sub-section that can be independently displaced. This segmentation allows the second sub-section to be moved forward, creating an opening in the bottom wall without compromising the structural integrity and washing coverage provided by the first sub-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sub-section of the upper basket is made dynamically adjustable through translational displacement along the guide rails. This dynamic configuration enables the basket to switch between a complete closed state (for regular washing) and an open state (for accommodating tall items), resolving the contradiction between washing coverage and space availability.
2Volume of stationary object
If the second section of the upper basket is made movable to create openings, then the available space for oversized items is increased, but the washing coverage and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the upper basket into fixed and movable sections, the patent enables selective opening of only the necessary area (second sub-section) while preserving the washing coverage area (first sub-section). This allows oversized items to access the lower basket through the opening without sacrificing the functionality of the upper basket for regular dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second sub-section serves multiple functions: it can be displaced to create openings for oversized items, or kept in position to maintain full washing coverage. This multi-functionality ensures that the upper basket can adapt to different washing needs without losing its primary washing capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed spray device is used, then the spray coverage is optimized for a standard basket configuration, but it cannot adapt to changed basket geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The spray device is coupled to the movable second sub-section through a coupling mechanism that enables it to move synchronously with the second sub-section. When the second sub-section is displaced forward, the spray device moves accordingly, maintaining optimal spray coverage over the remaining basket area. This dynamic coupling ensures consistent washing performance regardless of the basket's configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the movable second sub-section and the spray device, translating the displacement of the basket section into corresponding movement of the spray device. This intermediary connection ensures that the spray device automatically adapts to changed basket geometries without requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In a dishwasher (2) - with an upper basket (22) arranged in the upper area (20) of a wash tub (8) for receiving items to be washed (10), - wherein the upper basket (22) includes a bottom wall (30), in particular an approximately horizontal one, and a side wall (28) surrounding it, projecting upwards, in particular an approximately vertical one, - the upper basket (22) has a fixed first section (32) and a second section (34) that is translationally displaceable between at least two positions (AC) relative to the first section (32) and parallel to the course of the bottom wall (30), - wherein the second section (34) includes a section (38) of the bottom wall (30), - and the second section (34) provides an opening (53) in the bottom wall (30) in at least one position (AC).