Sliding Docking Port for Height-Adjustable Dishwasher Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing appliances face challenges in providing a reliable and simplified connection for fluid conduits attached to height-adjustable racks, as the changing rack levels require multiple docking ports with sealing mechanisms, increasing complexity in manufacture and operation.
Innovation Solution
A two-level conduit docking port system with a sliding valve mechanism that adjusts vertically to accommodate the rack's position, ensuring secure connection and sealing at different levels, preventing fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple docking ports are created at different heights to accommodate height-adjustable racks, then the conduit can be connected at various rack levels, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The docking port system employs a movable valve member that can shift vertically between a first position (opening the upper port) and a second position (opening the lower port). This dynamic mechanism allows a single docking port structure to serve multiple height levels, eliminating the need for multiple separate docking ports and their associated sealing mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The single docking port structure is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating conduit connections at different height levels through the movable valve member. Instead of requiring separate docking ports for upper and lower levels, this universal structure can switch between serving the upper port and lower port based on the rack position, simplifying the overall system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple docking ports with sealing mechanisms are used, then connection at different levels is possible, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple docking ports into a single integrated structure. The movable valve member combines the sealing and flow control functions for both upper and lower ports within one component, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled compared to having separate docking ports with individual sealing mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a single docking port is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the conduit cannot be connected at different rack levels
Solution Approach 1:
The movable valve member introduces dynamic capability to the single docking port structure, allowing it to adapt its configuration based on the rack position. The valve member can move between positions to open either the upper port or lower port, enabling the simple single-port structure to provide multi-level connection capability
Data Source
AI summary
A two level conduit docking port for a dishwashing appliance is described. The docking port is provided having an upper port and a lower port, either of which is opened depending upon the position of a sliding valve that moves along the vertical direction. Movement of the valve to open either the upper port or the lower port is caused by contact between a protrusion on the sliding valve and a conduit attached to a height-adjustable rack. As such rack is pushed into the wash chamber of the dishwasher, the valve is moved vertically depending upon the vertical level of the rack.