Enhanced Dishwasher with Adaptive Rack System and Ultrasonic Cleaning

Publication ID: 24-11857135_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Dishwasher with Adaptive Rack System and Ultrasonic Cleaning,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857135_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857135_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,135.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved dishwasher design featuring an adjustable rack mounting system, automatic rack configuration optimization, and an integrated ultrasonic cleaning module for enhanced cleaning performance and user convenience.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a dishwasher with a rack described a basic rack configuration with limited adjustability and cleaning capabilities. However, users often face challenges with loading and cleaning dishes efficiently. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an adaptive rack system that can be customized to accommodate various dish sizes and shapes, and an ultrasonic cleaning module that provides additional cleaning power.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced dishwasher comprises a tub, a first dish rack, and a second dish rack located above the first rack. The second rack is secured to the tub using a novel adjustable mounting system, which includes a sliding rail and a locking mechanism. This allows users to customize the rack configuration to optimize dish loading and cleaning. Additionally, the dishwasher features a motorized actuator that can automatically adjust the rack configuration based on the determined dish size and shape. Furthermore, an ultrasonic cleaning module is integrated into the spray system, providing additional cleaning power to effectively remove food residue and stains from a variety of dish types. The module can operate at multiple frequencies to cater to different dish types.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a novel adjustable mounting system for the second dish rack, which enables customizable rack configuration and automatic optimization. Additionally, the integration of an ultrasonic cleaning module into the spray system provides a significant enhancement to the dishwasher's cleaning capabilities. These features, combined with the motorized actuator, provide a non-obvious and innovative solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of adjustable mounting systems, such as telescoping rails or pivoting joints. The ultrasonic cleaning module could be replaced with other advanced cleaning technologies, such as steam cleaning or ozone sanitizing. The motorized actuator could be substituted with manual adjustment mechanisms or other automation systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced dishwasher with an adaptive rack system and ultrasonic cleaning module has significant commercial potential in the household appliance industry. It can be marketed as a premium product, targeting consumers who value convenience, efficiency, and superior cleaning performance. The technology could also be applied to commercial dishwashers, catering to the needs of restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A47 A47L15/504
A A47 A47L15/18
A A47 A47L15/4278
A A47 A47L15/503

Field of Art

Household appliance design, specifically dishwasher rack and cleaning system engineering, requiring expertise in mechanical design, materials engineering, and appliance manufacturing techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years of experience in home appliance design, familiar with rack configurations, spray systems, and optimization of cleaning technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed adjustable rack mounting system and ultrasonic cleaning module represent predictable variations of existing dishwasher technologies. The source patent establishes a foundational rack design that naturally invites incremental improvements in positioning and cleaning effectiveness. The proposed modifications represent logical extensions of known dishwasher engineering principles using standard design optimization techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Dishwasher with multiple rack configurations using wire sets and stationary components
PTD Variation
Sliding rail mounting system with locking mechanism for second rack
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design optimization using known mechanical attachment techniques to enhance rack adjustability
Source Patent Element
Spray system for circulating wash liquid
PTD Variation
Integrated ultrasonic cleaning module operating at multiple frequencies
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of augmenting standard spray systems with additional cleaning technologies to improve performance
Source Patent Element
Dish rack positioning within treating chamber
PTD Variation
Motorized actuator for automatic rack configuration based on dish size and shape
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of automation technology to improve user convenience and optimize loading efficiency
Source Patent Element
Basic dishwasher tub with multiple rack levels
PTD Variation
Customizable rack positioning with sliding and locking mechanisms
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of design solutions for improving rack flexibility using standard mechanical engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Existing spray-based cleaning system
PTD Variation
Multi-frequency ultrasonic cleaning module integrated into spray system
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious combination of known cleaning technologies to enhance overall cleaning performance
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857135, the present disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations in dishwasher rack design and cleaning technologies would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The proposed modifications represent predictable engineering solutions using standard techniques of mechanical design and cleaning system optimization, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,135
TitleDishwasher with rack
Assignee(s)Whirlpool Corporation