Modular Dishwasher Rack Handle for Durable Wire-Frame Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional domestic dishwashers lack an effective and durable handle system for dish racks, making it difficult for users to easily load and unload utensils and dishes, especially in designs with wire frame racks.

Innovation Solution

A modular handle system comprising a U-shaped stainless steel nameplate, back support, and end caps or center support, which securely fits over the wire frame racks, providing a sturdy and accessible mechanism for handling the racks during wash cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional handle system is used on dish racks, then the structure is simple, but the durability and effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle durabilityVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into multiple separate components: a U-shaped front piece, a back support, and end caps. These segments are assembled together to form the complete handle system, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall durability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle system combines different materials including stainless steel for the U-shaped front piece and back support, and plastic or rubber for the end caps. This composite approach provides both structural strength and protective features, enhancing reliability while keeping the design practical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a modular handle system is implemented, then user accessibility and ease of operation improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverack accessibilityVSAvoidhandle assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle system is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing users to easily attach and detach the handle from the dish rack. This dynamic design improves accessibility by enabling quick installation and removal, while the standardized interface keeps the complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The end caps serve as intermediary components that connect the U-shaped front piece to the back support and secure the handle to the rack wires. These mediators simplify the overall assembly process by providing standardized connection points, making the modular system easier to operate despite having multiple parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9629516B2Dishwasher rack handle
Publication Date: 2017.04.25 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • US9629516B2 patent drawing
  • US9629516B2 patent drawing
  • US9629516B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dishwasher includes a rack assembly with a modular handle for allowing a user to grasp and pull out the rack. The modular handle includes a front piece, a rear body, and two end caps, which fit together to form an aesthetically pleasing handle suitable for the temperature and humidity in a dishwasher environment.