Bottle Washing Apparatus with Docking Spray Unit for Dishwasher Racks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hollow articles with narrow openings, such as bottles and jars, often do not receive sufficient washing/rinsing liquid in domestic dishwashers, leading to poor cleaning results and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A bottle washing apparatus with a separate non-rotating spray unit that docks with the dishwasher's hydraulic circuit, allowing targeted washing/rinsing of hollow articles, and can be easily detached for maintenance or when not needed, with flexible liquid circulation control to enhance energy and water efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate spray unit is added to the dishwasher, then the cleaning performance of hollow articles is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray unit is integrated within the rack structure, with the spray nozzle positioned inside the rack and the spray chamber formed by the rack wires themselves. This nesting approach allows the additional cleaning function to be incorporated without adding external components, thus improving cleaning performance while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports articles for cleaning, provides a spray chamber for the spray unit, and acts as a structural framework. This multi-functionality allows the spray unit to be integrated into the existing rack design, improving cleaning performance while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the spray unit is made detachable, then the ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the reliability of the connection may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of detachmentVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spray unit is divided into separable components that can be detached from the rack. The spray nozzle is connected to the spray chamber through a detachable connection, allowing the spray unit to be removed for cleaning or replacement while maintaining a reliable connection during operation through proper engagement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The apparatus ensures intensive cleaning of hollow articles, reduces the risk of poor washing results, allows for efficient use of resources, and increases user satisfaction by improving cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a separate non-rotating spray unit (7) which is configured for detachable attachment onto the inner bottom of at least one of the racks (4)... and to wash/rinse a hollow article... that is to be placed thereover upside down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3319499B1Bottle washing apparatus for use on the dishwasher rack
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3319499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3319499B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3319499B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention provides a bottle washing apparatus (1) for use in a dishwasher (2). The dishwasher (2) of the present invention comprises a first docking port (5) which opens into tub (3) and exclusively docks with or undocks from the apparatus (1) and exclusively supplies the apparatus (1), in the docked state, with the washing/rinsing liquid. The hydraulic circuit (6) circulates the liquid via the first docking port (5).