Bidirectional Dishwasher Spray Arm for Alternating Liquid Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack an efficient mechanism to alternately switch the direction of rotation of the rotatable spray arm, which limits the effectiveness of liquid distribution and soil removal during the washing cycle.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a rotatable spray arm with first and second driving nozzles that rotate the arm in opposite directions, a movable element to switch between open and closed positions, and a reciprocating element to alternately switch the direction of rotation, allowing for selective fluid coupling of different subsets of outlets to achieve varied spray patterns and improved cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-direction spray arm rotation is used, then the structure is simple, but the liquid distribution effectiveness and soil removal capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm rotation direction is made dynamic by using a reciprocating element to alternately switch between first and second driving nozzles, enabling the spray arm to rotate in alternating directions during the washing cycle, thereby improving liquid distribution effectiveness and soil removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by using a reciprocating element that alternately activates different driving nozzles at regular intervals, causing the spray arm to periodically reverse rotation direction, which enhances cleaning efficiency through varied spray patterns
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving nozzles are added to enable bidirectional rotation, then the spray coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is segmented into functionally independent first and second driving nozzles, each responsible for rotating the spray arm in opposite directions. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual nozzles to achieve different spray patterns while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A movable element acts as an intermediary between the reciprocating element and the driving nozzles, selectively coupling the reciprocating element to either the first or second driving nozzle. This intermediary mechanism enables bidirectional rotation and varied spray patterns while keeping the overall system complexity controlled
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 design enhances cleaning efficiency by ensuring thorough coverage and soil removal with reduced liquid consumption, enabling better utensil cleaning and potential cost and energy savings through optimized spray arm operation.
Implementation Method 1
emission of liquid from the first driving nozzle and not the second driving nozzle rotates the rotating arm in a first direction, and emission of liquid from the second driving nozzle and not the first driving nozzle rotates the rotating arm in a second direction, opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for treatment according to the automatic cycle of operation, a rotatable spray arm provided within the treating chamber and defining an interior through which liquid may pass, and hydraulic driving nozzles to rotate the rotatable spray arm in both a a first direction and a second direction, opposite the first direction.