Telescopic Silverware Tray for Flexible Dishwasher Basket Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silverware containers for dishwashers face a dilemma between being too small, which is inconvenient for loading/unloading, and too large, which wastes space, as they need to accommodate varying quantities of silverware during washing.
Innovation Solution
A silverware container with telescopable horizontal segments that can be adapted to fit different sizes, allowing flexible use and easy loading/unloading, and incorporating guiding means for secure attachment to the dishwasher basket, with features like slots and mesh holes for improved rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the silverware tray is made large to accommodate more silverware, then the quantity of silverware that can be washed increases, but the tray covers a large part of the basket top and makes loading/unloading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The silverware container is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can be independently positioned along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the container to be adjusted to different lengths, enabling users to optimize between capacity and accessibility based on their specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with adjustable segments. The segments can be moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the container length to be adapted. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling the container to be long when maximum capacity is needed and short when ease of loading/unloading is prioritized.
2Ease of operation
If the silverware tray is made small to facilitate frequent moving for loading/unloading, then ease of operation improves, but the quantity of silverware that can be washed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into movable sections that can be independently positioned. Users can configure the segments to create a shorter container for easier handling or extend them for increased capacity, depending on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable segment mechanism enables the container to dynamically adapt its length. When ease of operation is the priority, the container can be configured in a compact form. When maximum capacity is needed, the segments are extended, thus resolving the trade-off between size and operability.
3Area of stationary object
If the silverware container area is reduced to maximize space for other items, then space utilization improves, but the capacity for silverware decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the container to be configured in different lengths, enabling users to minimize its footprint when silverware capacity is not the priority, thereby maximizing space for other items in the basket.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the container length allows it to be compact when needed to preserve basket space, and extended when maximum silverware capacity is required. This resolves the contradiction between space utilization and capacity by allowing context-dependent configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a silverware container (1, 40), especially a silverware basket and/or a silverware tray, for arrangement on a crockery basket (2) of a dishwasher, wherein the silverware container (1) comprises two opposing ends (16A, 14A; 16B, 14B) that are adapted for arrangement on the upper ends of two opposing side walls (3,4) of the crockery basket (2) or the silverware container (40) is adapted for arrangement on the bottom (21) of the crockery basket (2), characterized in that the silverware container (1, 40) comprises a bottom wall (18; 46A, 46B) for supporting the silverware that comprises at least two essentially horizontal segments (18A, 18B; 46A, 46B) that are arranged telescopably relative to each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a crockery basket (2) comprising a silverware container (1, 40), a silverware tray (1) and/or a silverware basket (40) according to the invention.