Adjustable Dishwasher Conduit for Reliable Rack Fluid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing conduit systems in dishwashers face challenges in consistently connecting and disconnecting with the main fluid supply conduit due to the height adjustments of the upper rack assembly, leading to incomplete or inefficient cleaning, as the connection is not properly established every time the rack is moved, affecting fluid supply to the mid-level spray arm assembly.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable conduit system that maintains a fixed connection point with the main fluid supply conduit while allowing the rack assembly to move vertically, ensuring consistent fluid supply to the spray arm assembly by using sliding members and rotatable sections to accommodate different rack positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper rack assembly is made height adjustable to accommodate different item sizes, then the adaptability of the rack system is improved, but the reliability of the fluid connection between the conduit and main supply conduit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is transformed from a static, fixed-position component to a dynamic, height-adjustable component that can move vertically along the rack assembly. This allows the conduit to maintain proper connection with the main fluid supply conduit regardless of the rack's vertical position, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit system is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently. The conduit includes a movable portion attached to the rack assembly and a fixed portion connected to the main supply, allowing relative movement while maintaining fluid connection. This segmentation enables the rack to adjust height without compromising the fluid supply connection.
2Ease of operation
If the rack assembly is moved in and out repeatedly for loading and unloading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the fluid connection deteriorates due to repeated connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to accommodate the repeated movement of the rack assembly. The conduit can extend, retract, or flex as the rack moves in and out, maintaining continuous fluid connection without requiring repeated manual connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection is maintained continuously throughout the loading and unloading operations. The conduit system ensures uninterrupted fluid supply to the spray arm assembly regardless of the rack's position or movement state, eliminating the interruption and reconnection issues associated with traditional fixed conduit systems.
3Device complexity
If a fixed conduit system is used to supply fluid to the spray arm assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different rack heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system incorporates dynamic elements that allow height adjustment without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The conduit can move vertically along the rack assembly while maintaining fluid connection, providing adaptability to different rack heights with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit may utilize flexible materials or expandable sections that can accommodate vertical movement and height changes. This flexibility allows the conduit to adapt to different rack positions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit for a dishwashing appliance that is height adjustable and can accommodate different vertical positions of a rack assembly. One end of the conduit moves up and down with the rack assembly while maintaining a connection with e.g., a spray arm assembly suspended from the bottom of the rack assembly. The other end of the conduit remains in a relatively fixed vertical position during height adjustments so as to enable connection and reconnection at the fixed position of a main fluid supply conduit.