Holding assembly for stemware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers often strain users due to time-consuming loading and unloading, and are not well-suited for delicate items like wine glasses, which can be damaged or dislodged during cycles.

Innovation Solution

A foldable holding assembly for stemmed objects in dishwashers, featuring gripping units and support frames that can be adjusted and stored efficiently, allowing secure support and easy removal of items like wine glasses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional dish supporting rack is used, then heavy and bulky cookware can be received, but delicate stemmed objects cannot be securely held and may be dislodged during washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of stemmed objectsVSAvoidability to hold different types of items
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding assembly is divided into separate functional components: a gripping unit frame with individual gripping units for each stemmed object, and a support frame with multiple support portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding assembly is designed to hold multiple types of stemmed objects (wine glasses, champagne glasses, etc.) using the same basic structure. The gripping units and support portions are configured to accommodate various stem diameters and glass types, providing universal applicability across different delicate items

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the holding assembly includes fixed support structures, then stemmed objects are securely supported, but the assembly occupies excessive space when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stability for stemmed objectsVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is designed with foldable legs that can transition between an extended supporting position during washing and a retracted storing position for compact storage. This dynamic structure maintains stability when needed while minimizing space when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable support legs nest within the main frame structure when collapsed, allowing the holding assembly to be stored in a compact form factor that fits within dishwasher racks or adjacent storage spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If manual handling of stemmed objects is performed, then items can be transferred, but time is consumed and user back is strained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of unloading stemmed objectsVSAvoidphysical strain on user
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is designed to maintain stemmed objects at a consistent ergonomic height during both washing and removal operations. This equipotential design eliminates the need for users to bend or lift items, reducing back strain while enabling fast removal by simply grasping the handle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The holding assembly incorporates a handle that enables the entire assembly with stemmed objects to be easily removed as a unit. This self-service design allows users to quickly empty the dishwasher by simply gripping and pulling the handle without manually handling each delicate item

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3188644B1Holding assembly for stemware
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP3188644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3188644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3188644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A holding assembly (1) for holding one or more stemmed objects (3) in a dishwasher is provided. The holding assembly (1) comprises a main frame (5), and a gripping unit frame (7) arranged on the main frame (5). The gripping unit frame (7) comprises one or more gripping units (7.1, 7.2) where each gripping unit (7.1, 7.2) is arranged to grip a respective stemmed portion (4) of one of the one or more stemmed objects (3). The holding assembly (1) further comprises a first support frame (11.1) foldably arranged on the main frame (5) to allow said first support frame (11.1) to be folded between at least a supporting position and a storing position. The first support frame (11.1) is arranged to support a portion (6.1, 6.2) of the one or more stemmed objects (3) in the supporting position. The embodiments herein also relates to a rack of a dishwasher and a dishwasher comprising a rack.