Pivotable Cutlery Drawer Wings for Dishwasher Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutlery drawers for dishwashers lack flexibility in accommodating varying sizes and types of dishes, particularly when tall items are placed below them, as they do not adjust capacity effectively to accommodate both cutlery and small dishes like espresso cups.
Innovation Solution
A cutlery drawer with pivotable and laterally displaceable wings, utilizing slotted guides with locking points to securely position the wings, allowing for adjustable configurations to optimize space for different dish sizes by folding or moving the wings to create more space for taller items or to accommodate smaller items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutlery drawer has a fixed structure, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot flexibly accommodate varying sizes and types of dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wing sections (first and second wings) movable relative to the central section. The wings can be pivoted between a horizontal position for receiving cutlery and an upwardly inclined position for creating space in the lower dish rack. This is achieved through guide means including grooves and sliding blocks that enable controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutlery drawer is segmented into a central section and two movable wing sections. Each wing can be independently positioned, allowing flexible configuration of the receiving space. The segmentation enables the drawer to adapt to different loading scenarios by adjusting individual wings rather than moving the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wings are made pivotable to create space for tall items, then adaptability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means is designed to be self-guiding through the interaction between grooves and sliding blocks. The grooves are formed directly in the central section, and the sliding blocks on the wings engage with these grooves automatically during pivoting motion. This self-guiding mechanism eliminates the need for external guides, complex linkages, or additional actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic relationship between the movable wings and the fixed central section is managed through the groove-block interface. The grooves provide constrained freedom of movement, allowing the wings to pivot smoothly while maintaining proper alignment. This dynamic connection enables adaptability without requiring complex mechanical assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first groove is curved to enable pivoting motion, then the wing can change inclination, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove geometry is designed with specific curvature parameters that define the pivoting path. By carefully selecting the groove's curvature radius and orientation, the mechanism achieves smooth pivoting motion while remaining manufacturable. The curved groove transforms the linear motion of the sliding block into rotational motion of the wing, enabling inclination change without complex mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cutlery drawer (3; 3') for a dishwasher (20; 20'), comprising a receiving part (5; 5') for receiving dishes to be washed, in particular cutlery, wherein the receiving part (5; 5') has a central part (6; 6') and a first lateral wing (7), characterized in that the receiving part (5; 5') is provided with guide means (22; 22') by means of which the first wing (7) is connected to the central part (6; 6') in such a way that it is laterally displaceable and pivotable in its inclination relative to the central part (6; 6').