Dishwasher Silverware Basket Curvature for Debris-Free Fluid Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Silverware baskets in dishwasher appliances often suffer from debris accumulation and reduced washing fluid reach due to contact with the door or walls, leading to an unattractive appearance when using traditional standoffs for creating a standoff.

Innovation Solution

The silverware basket design features an arcuate front wall and bottom wall configuration, creating a standoff between the basket and the door or walls, allowing fluid and debris flow while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the silverware basket is mounted on the front of the rack assembly, then the rack assembly appears to have greater capacity, but the door contacts the silverware basket during operation causing debris accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack assembly capacity appearanceVSAvoiddebris accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The front wall of the silverware basket is formed with an arcuate configuration that curves away from the door, creating a standoff distance without requiring a visible bumper. This curved geometry prevents the door from contacting the basket during operation while maintaining aesthetic appearance, thereby eliminating debris accumulation between the basket and door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a bumper is added to create standoff between the silverware basket and door, then debris accumulation is prevented, but the appearance becomes visually unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris accumulation preventionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a protruding bumper that would be visually intrusive, the front wall is designed with an arcuate shape that naturally creates the necessary standoff distance. The curved surface gracefully transitions away from the door, providing both the functional clearance to prevent debris accumulation and an aesthetically pleasing appearance that integrates seamlessly with the basket design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If the silverware basket is in contact with the door, then structural support is maximized, but washing fluid reach is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidwashing fluid distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The arcuate front wall creates a gap between the basket and door that allows washing fluid to flow freely underneath and around the basket. The curved geometry maintains structural integrity of the basket while ensuring adequate fluid circulation for effective washing of all articles, including those positioned below the basket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS8905495B2Silverware basket for a dishwasher appliance

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A dishwasher appliance is provided with a silverware basket. The silverware basket has features for creating an offset between a door of the appliance or a wall of the appliance and the silverware basket. The offset can permit debris and/or washing fluid to flow between the silverware basket and the door or the wall of the appliance.