Tiered Dishwasher Rack Design for Space-Efficient Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers often have limited space and inefficiently utilize the tub space due to the design of traditional dish racks, which can hinder effective washing and drying of glassware, especially when trying to balance inclination for proper draining with minimizing space usage.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a tiered upper dish rack and a non-tiered lower dish rack with angled bottom walls, along with a rack spray assembly that includes stationary and rotating spray tubes with nozzles to ensure thorough washing of glassware, allowing for adjustable inclination to optimize space and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional dish racks with flat bottom walls are used, then the structure is simple and space utilization is moderate, but the draining efficiency is insufficient and washing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is designed with an adjustable inclination angle mechanism, allowing the rack to dynamically change its drainage angle based on the type of dishware being stored. This enables optimization of draining efficiency for different items while maintaining structural adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the bottom wall is changed as a variable parameter to optimize draining performance. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system achieves better water flow and drainage without fundamentally changing the overall rack structure
2Productivity
If the bottom wall inclination angle is increased to improve draining, then drainage efficiency is improved, but the available space for glassware is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable inclination mechanism allows the rack to adapt its drainage angle dynamically, enabling optimal drainage efficiency while minimizing space loss. The system can switch between different angle configurations based on loading requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is divided into adjustable segments that can be reconfigured. The bottom wall inclination is segmented into multiple adjustable positions, allowing optimization of both drainage and space utilization for different dishware types
3Productivity
If a tiered bottom wall design is used, then drainage performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed tiered structure, the patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that can change the bottom wall inclination. This provides the drainage benefits of tiered designs without the permanent structural complexity, allowing flexible adaptation to different loading scenarios
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration maximizes space efficiency while ensuring effective washing and drying of glassware by allowing for customizable inclination and targeted spray distribution, improving the overall washing performance and usability of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a spray system providing treating liquid to the treating chamber
Implementation Method 2
a spray tube carried by the bottom wall and having nozzles emitting spray along the angled portion
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher can include a tub defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment, a spray system providing treating liquid to the treating chamber, a first dish rack located in the tub and having a bottom wall tiered to form multiple levels defining an effective inclination angle for the bottom wall, and a second dish rack located below the first dish rack and having an inclined non-tiered bottom wall.