Drawer type single cavity dishwashing appliance with convertible drip shields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing appliances with bottom-hinged doors can be cumbersome and obstructive in small kitchen spaces, and the open bottom design of drawer-type appliances can lead to washing fluid drips onto the floor or internal components during operation.
Innovation Solution
A single cavity dishwashing appliance with one or more drawers that have an open bottom and convertible drip shields to collect drips when the drawer is pulled out, shifting to allow washing fluid to spray through when the drawer is closed, and automatically retracting to prevent drips during the dishwashing cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drawer bottom is made open to improve washing performance, then washing efficiency is improved, but washing fluid may drip onto the floor or appliance components
Solution Approach 1:
The drip shield is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position based on drawer state. When the drawer is pulled out, the shield moves to a first position to collect drips; when the drawer is pushed back in, the shield shifts to a second position that allows washing fluid to spray through, maintaining open bottom functionality during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter (position) of the drip shield based on drawer position. The convertible drip shield transitions between two distinct positions: one optimized for drip collection during drawer extraction, and another optimized for fluid flow during closed-door operation, thereby adapting the system's protective function to operational conditions.
2Device complexity
If a bottom-hinged door design is used in a single cavity dishwashing appliance, then the appliance structure is simplified, but it may block walkways or be too cumbersome to open in small kitchen spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance door system is segmented into multiple independent drawers that can be extracted individually, rather than using a single bottom-hinged door. This segmentation allows users to access specific drawers without moving the entire door assembly, improving accessibility in compact kitchen spaces while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the convertible drip shield is positioned to collect drips when the drawer is pulled out, then drip prevention is improved, but washing fluid distribution may be affected when the drawer is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The drip shield transitions between two dynamic positions: when the drawer is pulled out, the shield moves to a first position that extends downward to collect and contain drips; when the drawer is pushed back into the closed position, the shield shifts to a second position that retracts or reconfigures to allow unobstructed washing fluid spray through the open bottom, thus adapting to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drip shield periodically changes position in response to drawer movement cycles. During drawer extraction phases, the shield activates in the drip-collection position; during closed-door washing phases, the shield transitions to the fluid-flow position. This periodic adaptation ensures both drip prevention and washing efficiency are maintained at appropriate times in the operational cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A single cavity dishwashing appliance with one or more drawers is disclosed. The drawer may be moveable between a closed position and an open position. A drip shield may be provided to prevent washing fluid from dripping onto the floor or onto the inner components of the dishwashing appliance when the drawer is in the open position.