Rotating Dishwasher Lid With Dual-Side Chamber Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers in public places require significant operator time for loading and unloading, especially in busy conditions, and often operate in cramped spaces with uncomfortable access due to the design of the door mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher with a rotating lid that allows access via two lateral zones, enabling easier loading and unloading by rotating around a central axis, reducing the need for operators to move crockery across the counter and accommodating limited spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dishwasher door opens by pivoting downwards with respect to the housing, then the washing chamber can be accessed, but the door interposes between the washing chamber and the operator, keeping the operator spaced from the washing chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of loading/unloadingVSAvoidtime for loading the dishwasher

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can rotate independently relative to each other around the rotation axis. The first portion rotates to provide access from the first lateral zone, while the second portion rotates to provide access from the second lateral zone, allowing simultaneous or separate access points without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of a single door opening in one direction (downwards), the lid provides access through two distinct lateral zones by rotating portions in different directions. This transforms a single-dimension access problem into a multi-dimensional solution with access from opposite sides of the dishwasher.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the dishwasher is positioned behind and under the counter accessible only by operators, then the dishwasher can be installed in limited space, but operators must bring dirty crockery from the customer area to the operator area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace available to operatorsVSAvoidease of loading the dishwasher

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second lateral zone for access that is distinct from the first lateral zone. This allows dirty crockery to be loaded from one side (first lateral zone) and clean crockery to be unloaded from the opposite side (second lateral zone), effectively using the横向 dimension to separate dirty and clean workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is segmented into two rotatable portions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the first portion to open for loading from the first lateral zone while the second portion remains closed, and vice versa, enabling simultaneous or sequential access from different sides without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single door mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the washing chamber can only be accessed from one lateral zone at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of door mechanismVSAvoidaccess points for loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into a first portion and a second portion, each capable of independent rotation around the rotation axis. The first portion can be rotated to provide access from the first lateral zone, while the second portion can be rotated to provide access from the second lateral zone, allowing the washing chamber to be accessed from multiple lateral zones simultaneously or separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lid structure serves multiple functions: it can protect the washing chamber when both portions are closed, provide access from the first lateral zone when the first portion is rotated, provide access from the second lateral zone when the second portion is rotated, and maintain structural integrity throughout. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12102279B2Dishwasher with washing chamber accessible via first and second lateral zones

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL SPA

AI summary

A dishwasher (1) comprises a washing chamber (2) configured for receiving crockery (3) to be washed, which can be accessed via a first lateral zone (5a) and a distinct second lateral zone (5b). The dishwasher (1) includes a lid (6) configured for being rotated with respect to the washing chamber (2), around a rotation axis (7) passing through the washing chamber (2). In a first position, the lid (6) prevents accessing the washing chamber (2) both via the first lateral zone (5a) and via the second lateral zone (5b). In a second position, the lid (6) allows accessing the washing chamber (2) only via said first lateral zone (5a). In a third position, the lid (6) allows accessing said washing chamber (2) only via the second lateral zone (5b).