Warewash Machine Rack Track Support for Sump Access Without Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warewash machines require users to constantly hold the rack track in place to access the sump without removing it, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A warewash machine design featuring a pivotable rack track and a support hook that allows the rack track to be easily raised for access to components below, enabling the rack track to be supported in an upwardly angled orientation for maintenance without constant user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the rack track is made removable to allow access to the sump, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to sumpVSAvoidrack track removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack track is made pivotable rather than fixed or completely removable. The support hook enables dynamic repositioning of the rack track between a horizontal position (during washing) and an upwardly angled position (during maintenance), allowing access to the sump without complete removal of the track

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A support hook is introduced as an intermediary device that enables temporary support of the rack track in an angled position. This intermediary mechanism allows the rack track to be held in a maintenance-accessible position without requiring removal of the track itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the rack track is constantly held in place for access, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack track accessVSAvoidrack track position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support hook is designed to automatically engage with the rack track when the rack track is pivoted to the upwardly angled position. The system serves itself by using the weight and position of the rack track to trigger the engagement of the support hook, eliminating the need for constant manual holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical action of constantly holding the rack track is replaced by an automatic mechanical engagement system. The support hook automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the rack track, substituting continuous human intervention with an automatic mechanical response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11134824B2Warewash machine with rack track support member

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A warewash machine includes a housing, which at least in part, defines a treatment chamber having an access opening, and a door mounted for movement between a lowered and closed position for washing and a raised and open position for inlet and outlet of wares through the access opening. At least one nozzle is provided for emitting liquid into the treatment chamber. A rack track is positioned within the treatment chamber, the rack track movable between a use orientation and a cleaning orientation within the treatment chamber. A track support is mounted for movement between a use orientation and a storage orientation, wherein, when the track support is in the use orientation, the track support is engageable with a portion of the rack track to maintain the rack track in the cleaning orientation.