Pivoting Support Element for Flat Washing Items in Dishwashers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing item receptacles for flat items in dishwashers have rigid or comb-shaped support elements that project into the space when not in use, hindering the loading of differently shaped items due to their fixed position.
Innovation Solution
A washing item receptacle with pivotable support elements that automatically raise when loaded with flat items, allowing them to project from the base only when needed, thus keeping space free for other shapes and securely holding items in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid or comb-shaped support elements are used in a washing item receptacle, then the support elements provide stable support for flat washing items, but the support elements project into the space above the base even when not in use, hindering the loading of differently shaped items
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to pivot between a retracted position (flush with the base) and a raised support position. This dynamic capability enables the receptacle to adapt to different loading scenarios: when no flat item is present, the support elements remain retracted to allow loading of cups, bowls, or other three-dimensional items; when a flat item is placed, the support elements can rise to provide stable support.
2Reliability
If comb-shaped support units are manually raised into vertical support position, then the support elements can support flat washing items, but manual operation is required and all support units project into the space above the base even when only partially loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are equipped with lever extensions that automatically engage with the edge of flat washing items during loading. When a flat item is placed in the receptacle, the lever extensions are pushed downward, which automatically triggers the pivoting motion of the support elements into their raised support position. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation and ensures that only the necessary support elements rise, leaving other areas clear for different item types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support elements are pivotably hinged individually in the base, then only required support elements project from the base, but the hinge mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent, pivotably hinged support elements rather than a single rigid or comb-shaped unit. Each support element can be independently controlled by its own lever extension, allowing selective projection of only those elements needed for the current loading configuration. This segmentation provides fine-grained adaptability while keeping each individual hinge mechanism simple and manageable.
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
The receptacle efficiently supports flat items while keeping storage space available for other shapes, ensuring secure positioning and easy loading/unloading of various items.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one support element can be pivoted from the rest position into the support position by the weight of the flat washing item
Data Source
AI summary
A washing item receptacle for a flat washing item in a dishwasher, in particular in a domestic dishwasher, includes a base and a support element for supporting the flat washing item. The support element is configured for pivoting between a rest position arranged in a plane of the base and a support position which projects from the plane of the base, and for pivoting from the rest position into the support position by the weight of the flat washing item.