Modular cutlery basket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutlery baskets for dishwashers require different manufacturing tools and lack a grip portion in serial configuration, making them difficult to handle and arrange.
Innovation Solution
A modular cutlery basket with identical components and a handle that locks in both serial and parallel configurations, using snap-fits and recesses to simplify handling and manufacturing, allowing the same tooling for production and providing a grip portion for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different basket components are used to form the cutlery basket, then the cutlery basket can be arranged in both parallel and serial configurations, but different manufacturing tools are required for each component
Solution Approach 1:
The cutlery basket is divided into two separate basket components that can be manufactured using the same injection mold tooling. Each component is designed with complementary features (protrusions and recesses) that allow them to be assembled in different configurations, achieving segmentation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket components are designed with universal features that allow them to function in multiple configurations. The same component design can be used in both parallel and serial arrangements, making the components multi-functional and eliminating the need for different manufacturing tools for different configurations.
2Length of stationary object
If the cutlery basket is arranged in serial configuration, then it fits the depth of the dishwasher interior space, but there is no grip portion in the middle making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A handle component serves as an intermediary element that connects the two basket components in serial configuration. This handle provides a grip portion in the middle of the elongated basket, enabling easy handling while maintaining the extended length needed to fit the dishwasher interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the basket components, adding a new dimensional element for gripping. This allows users to grasp the basket from the side rather than from the ends, improving handling ease without compromising the basket's length.
3Reliability
If additional interlocking means are added to lock the basket components, then the basket can be securely locked in configurations, but the handling and arrangement becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking function is merged with the handle component itself. The handle incorporates protrusions that engage with recesses in the basket components, combining the gripping function and the locking function into a single integrated element. This eliminates the need for separate interlocking mechanisms, maintaining security while simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket components are designed with self-aligning features where protrusions on one component automatically engage with recesses on the other component when the handle is inserted. This self-service interlocking mechanism requires no additional tools or complex operations, ensuring reliable locking while keeping the assembly process simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cutlery basket (1) comprising a first basket component (2) and a second basket component (3) and a handle (4), wherein the first and second basket components (2, 3) are adapted to be arranged in a serial and a parallel configuration, wherein means (4) are provided for locking the first and second basket components (2, 3) in a serial and a parallel configuration and wherein the means (4) for locking the basket components (2, 3) in a serial and parallel configuration are formed by the handle (4). The basket components (2, 3) can be manufactured as identical components thereby reducing the manufacturing complexity of the cutlery basket (1).