Motorized Dishwasher Rack for Independent Door-Free Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical dishwasher racks are often positioned undesirably relative to the dishwasher door, limiting their ability to extend out of or retract into the tub based on the door's position, necessitating a solution for independent movement.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher rack system with a motor and gear mechanism that allows the rack to move between stowed and deployed positions, featuring both automatic and manual configurations, where the motor applies varying forces and can be disengaged for manual operation, using mechanisms like worm screws and clutches for independent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dishwasher rack is coupled to the dishwasher door for movement, then the rack can be positioned relative to the door, but the rack cannot extend or retract independently of the door position
Solution Approach 1:
The rack positioning system is segmented into two independent subsystems: door-linked movement mechanism and motor-driven independent movement mechanism. This allows the rack to move with the door while also enabling independent extension/retraction through the motor system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move passively with the door, be actively positioned by the motor, and transition between manual and automatic modes. This multi-functionality enables independent rack movement while integrating with the door positioning system.
2Reliability
If the motor applies full force for automatic operation, then the rack moves reliably between positions, but manual operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between automatic and manual modes through a clutch mechanism. In automatic mode, the motor applies full force for reliable positioning; in manual mode, the clutch disengages the motor, allowing effortless manual adjustment. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically switches between motor-driven and manual operation based on user needs. The automatic mode provides reliable positioning when needed, while the manual mode allows easy user-assisted movement, making the system self-adaptive to different operational requirements.
3Extent of automation
If the motor is always engaged for automatic operation, then the rack can be positioned automatically, but the system consumes more energy and reduces manual flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically engages the motor only when automatic operation is required, and disengages it during manual operation. This dynamic engagement strategy reduces energy consumption while maintaining automatic positioning capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards motor power during manual operation phases and recovers it when automatic positioning is needed. This on-demand power usage reduces overall energy consumption while preserving the automatic operation capability.
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
Enables the dishwasher rack to be positioned independently of the door, providing flexible and user-assisted movement between stowed and deployed positions, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the gear mechanism may be a worm screw
Implementation Method 2
the appliance may include a clutch transitioning at least one dishwasher rack between the manual configuration and the automatic configuration
Implementation Method 3
the appliance may include at least one threaded member connected to at least one dishwasher rack and at least one worm screw
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher rack for a dish washing appliance. The dishwasher rack may be positionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A motor may drive the dishwasher rack. The motor may be coupled to the dishwasher rack by a rack and pinion, a worm screw, and/or the like. The dishwasher rack may be in a manual configuration and/or automatic configuration.