Dishwasher and silverware basket thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing appliance silverware baskets often have handles that are prone to breaking and require costly post-molding processing to remove parting lines, leading to discomfort and potential deformation under stress conditions.
Innovation Solution
A unitary silverware basket design with a handle formed as an integral component, featuring a non-orthogonal transition radius to eliminate parting lines and enhance durability, allowing for comfortable handling without additional assembly or processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle is separately attached to the silverware basket, then the user has something to hold when removing the basket, but the basket and handle are more likely to break and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is integrated into the basket body as a unitary structure formed from a single molded piece, eliminating separate attachment and reducing failure points while maintaining user grip capability
2Ease of operation
If a handle is separately attached to the silverware basket, then the user has something to hold when removing the basket, but assembly costs and difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and basket body are formed as a single integrated component through one-shot injection molding, eliminating separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while providing the necessary handle function
3Ease of manufacture
If parting lines are not removed by post-molding process, then manufacturing is simpler, but user comfort deteriorates due to narrow edges
Solution Approach 1:
A fillet is added specifically at the parting line location on the handle surface, creating a localized radius that eliminates the narrow edge problem while maintaining the overall molding process simplicity
4Ease of manufacture
If the handle is made from plastic or polymer, then manufacturing is easier, but the handle may deform or break under stress or high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A fillet with specific radius is provided at the parting line to distribute stress and prevent crack initiation, enhancing the handle's resistance to deformation and breaking under stress or thermal conditions while maintaining polymer material advantages
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher or silverware basket, as provided herein, may include a unitary first base wall, first sidewall, second base wall, second sidewall, transverse rail, and handle. The first base wall may be disposed at a bottom container end. The first sidewall may extend vertically from the first base wall and define a first container volume with the first base wall. The second base wall may be disposed at the bottom container end and transversely spaced apart from the first base wall. The second sidewall may extend vertically from the second base wall and define a second container volume with the second base wall. The transverse rail may extend from the first sidewall to the second sidewall The handle may extend between the container volumes and have a first transverse edge proximal to the first container volume and a second transverse edge proximal to the second container volume.