Silverware Basket with Moveable Members for Bulk Loading and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional silverware baskets require piece-by-piece loading and unloading, often resulting in inadvertent contact with clean areas during unloading, and do not facilitate bulk loading or mechanical separation of silverware.
Innovation Solution
The design includes moveable members that allow for bulk loading and unloading of silverware, with a top member that can be lowered to receive items and a bottom member that can be raised to prevent contact with clean areas, enabling easier handling and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional silverware baskets are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the loading and unloading process requires piece-by-piece manual handling which is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bottom of the basket movable rather than fixed. The bottom can be raised and lowered to facilitate bulk loading and unloading of silverware. This dynamic structure allows the basket to adapt between different operational states (loading, washing, unloading) resolving the contradiction between simple structure and improved productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If piece-by-piece loading and unloading is used, then the basket structure remains simple, but inadvertent contact with clean areas occurs during unloading compromising hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
By making the basket bottom movable, the patent enables bulk unloading where silverware can be dumped out together rather than handled piece-by-piece. This dynamic mechanism eliminates inadvertent contact with clean areas during unloading, resolving the hygiene issue while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the basket bottom is made movable to enable bulk loading, then loading efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable bottom mechanism that can be raised and lowered through simple user interaction. This dynamic feature enables bulk loading and unloading operations, significantly improving productivity while the mechanism remains relatively simple in design.
4Loss of time
If manual piece-by-piece handling is used, then the device structure remains simple, but time is lost in separating and handling each item individually
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bottom mechanism allows bulk dumping of silverware during unloading, eliminating the time-consuming piece-by-piece handling process. This dynamic feature significantly reduces time loss while the operation remains simple for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Easier loading and unloading silverware baskets for automatic dishwashers are disclosed. A disclosed example silverware basket includes four side walls defining a basket having a top opening and a bottom opening, a moveable first member dimensioned to fit within the top opening and selectively moveable between a first position near the top opening and a second position between the top opening and the bottom opening, and a moveable second member dimensioned to fit within the bottom opening and selectively moveable between a third position near the bottom opening and a fourth position between the top opening and the bottom opening.