Universal Rack Bracket with Snap-Fit Assembly for Dishwasher Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwasher appliances require different slide and roller assemblies for various models, leading to increased complexity, costs, and assembly errors due to the need for specific parts and additional hardware to prevent water leakage.
Innovation Solution
A universal rack bracket system with a snap fit securing element and rail attachment element that allows for easy assembly and compatibility with different wash racks, eliminating the need for additional hardware and simplifying the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different slide and roller assemblies are used for different dishwasher models, then the racks can be properly supported for each specific model, but the manufacturing complexity increases, costs rise, and assembly errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a universal configuration that can be used across multiple dishwasher models. The bracket body includes a front face with a protrusion and a back face with a recess, allowing it to interface with different slide and roller assemblies through standardized attachment points, thereby serving multiple functions across different appliance models.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the bracket design into a single integrated component that combines the mounting interface for the tub, the attachment interface for the slide rails or roller assemblies, and the structural support function. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate parts that would otherwise be required for different model configurations.
2Strength
If conventional brackets are bolted to the stainless steel tub, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional parts are needed to seal the tub and prevent water leakage, increasing hardware costs and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket integrates the sealing function directly into its structure by forming an integral seal at the interface with the tub wall. This eliminates the need for separate gaskets or sealing components that would otherwise be required when using conventional bolted brackets, thereby reducing hardware quantity while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is constructed from a material that provides both structural strength for secure attachment and sealing properties to prevent water leakage. This composite functionality within a single component eliminates the need for separate sealing materials and hardware.
3Reliability
If screws are used to connect the bracket to the slide and roller assemblies, then reliable connection is achieved, but hardware costs, procurement complexity, and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical screw connection system with a snap-fit mechanical interlocking system. The protrusion on the front face engages with a corresponding recess on the slide and roller assembly, providing reliable connection through geometric interlocking rather than threaded fasteners, thereby eliminating screws and associated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design enables self-aligning and self-securing through the snap-fit mechanism. The protrusion and recess geometry guides the assembly into proper alignment and automatically secures the connection without requiring external fastening operations, simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If model-specific slide and roller assemblies are produced, then each model receives optimized rack support, but production lead times increase and part procurement and storage become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple dishwasher models, eliminating the need to produce and inventory model-specific brackets. This single-part solution reduces production lead times and simplifies procurement and storage while maintaining the ability to provide optimized rack support through the standardized interface design.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance includes two or more universal rack brackets. The universal rack brackets include a body, a stud on a first end of the body, and a snap fit securing element between the first and second ends of the body forming a protrusion from the body. A rail attachment element has two elongated slots that align with the studs of the universal rack brackets to slidably engage. The rail attachment element further includes a snap fit tab aligned such that sliding the rail attachment element to engage the studs of the universal rack brackets causes the snap fit tab to pass over the snap fit securing element and prevent return movement.