Bidirectional Spray Arm Blades for Dishwasher Airflow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack an efficient mechanism to direct and control air flow within the treating chamber, which affects the drying performance and customization of wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm with integrally formed blades that extend laterally from its body, capable of rotating in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, is used to emit fluid and move air within the chamber, allowing for customizable air flow patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dishwashers use traditional spray arms without blades, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but air flow control and drying performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spray arm with blade elements into a single integrated component. The blades are directly formed as part of the spray arm body, merging the fluid distribution function with the air movement function into one unified structure, thereby improving drying performance without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spray arm is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes cleaning fluid through spray openings while also moving air within the chamber through its blade structure. This multi-functionality addresses both cleaning and drying needs, improving overall operational effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unidirectional motor is used to rotate the spray arm, then the motor structure is simple, but air flow patterns cannot be customized for different wash cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is designed to be bidirectional, allowing the spray arm to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This dynamic capability enables different air flow patterns to be generated for different wash cycle requirements, providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate motors or complex mechanism changes
3Ease of operation
If blades are added to the spray arm to improve air movement, then air flow control is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blades are integrally formed with the spray arm body as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate blade components and their associated fastening hardware. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the air movement functionality, reducing the impact on ease of manufacture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances air movement and drying efficiency by enabling the direction of air flow to be tailored according to specific wash cycle needs, improving the overall performance of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a spray arm configured to rotate and emit fluid, the spray arm comprising a body having at least one fluid spray opening
Implementation Method 2
at least one blade integrally formed with the periphery of the main longitudinal body and a blade body of the at least one blade extends laterally outwardly from the main longitudinal body such that the at least one blade extends upwardly or downwardly from the main longitudinal body
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening. A closure selectively closes the access opening. At least one dish rack is located within the treating chamber. At least one rotating spray arm is located within the tub, adjacent to and emitting fluid into the at least one dish rack. The at least one rotating spray arm includes a body having at least one fluid spray opening.