Dishwasher with multi-level dishwasher rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack flexibility in handling different types and sizes of utensils, as they often require specialized containers and sprayers, but still struggle to optimize washing efficiency for various loads.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level dishwasher rack with movable dividers and adjustable support surfaces, combined with rotatable tubular spray elements that can direct fluid in specific patterns to accommodate different utensil orientations and sizes, enhancing washing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dishwashers use fixed rack structures with specialized containers, then washing coverage for specific utensil types is improved, but flexibility to handle different types and sizes of utensils deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates movable dividers that can be repositioned along the rack length, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the rack configuration to adapt to different utensil types and sizes while maintaining reliable washing coverage through targeted spray zone alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into multiple spray zones with independent control, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific utensil types. This segmentation enables flexible handling of different load configurations while ensuring each zone provides reliable washing for its designated area.
2Reliability
If conventional dishwashers include multiple specialized containers and sprayers, then washing effectiveness for specific items is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular spray elements serve multiple functions: they provide concentrated washing for specific utensil types, can be repositioned to accommodate different load configurations, and work effectively across various spray zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized containers and sprayers while maintaining washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable tubular spray elements can be repositioned along the rack, replacing multiple fixed specialized sprayers with a single dynamic component that adapts to different washing needs, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Power
If conventional dishwashers use fixed spray patterns, then washing power for specific zones is improved, but adaptability to different utensil orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular spray elements are designed to be movable and repositionable, allowing the spray patterns to dynamically adapt to different utensil orientations and rack configurations. This maintains concentrated washing power while increasing adaptability to various load types.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tubular spray element provides concentrated washing power to its specific zone, and by repositioning these elements, the local quality of concentrated spray is maintained while adapting to different utensil orientations and positions throughout the rack.
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 solution allows for optimized washing of various utensil combinations by providing adjustable support and targeted spray patterns, improving washing efficiency and flexibility within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular spray element including one or more apertures extending through an exterior surface thereof, and the tubular spray element in fluid communication with the fluid supply to direct fluid from the fluid supply into the wash tub through the one or more apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher may utilize a multi-level dishwasher rack that in some instances may be reconfigurable into different configurations to optimize the rack for different types and/or combinations of utensils. A movable divider may be used in some instances to selectively expose a deep portion of a rack, and a drawer may be used in some instances to provide access utensils stored underneath a divider. A movable portion of a bottom of a rack may also be used in some instances to provide different support surfaces in the rack at different elevations. A tubular spray element or another rotatable spray tube may also be positioned relative to a multi-level dishwasher rack in some instances to facilitate concentrated washing of different facing surfaces of different utensils stored in the rack.