Integrated Dishwasher Base Tray Distributor With Fewer Sealing Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher designs require complex and cumbersome piping systems due to separate distributors and multiple sealing points, complicating assembly and increasing component count.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece distributor integrated into the dishwasher's boundary wall simplifies the piping system by reducing sealing points and integrating components like the flow heater into the circulating pump, using a unified plastic structure with an inlet chamber and outlet chambers connected via a distributor wall, and employing a connecting piece with a soft rubber material and stiff collar for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate distributor is provided upstream of the washing compartment, then the washing liquor flow can be split into partial flows, but the number of sealing points increases (infeed sealing, outfeed sealing, and feedthrough opening sealing)
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is integrated directly into the boundary wall of the washing compartment, merging what were previously separate components (distributor and boundary wall) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate sealing points at the infeed and outfeed of the distributor, as these now coincide with the single feedthrough opening in the boundary wall, thereby reducing the total number of sealing points required
2Reliability
If multiple sealing points are provided in the piping system, then liquid-tight connections can be ensured, but assembly becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the distributor into the boundary wall, multiple sealing locations are merged into a single feedthrough opening. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining liquid-tight connections, as fewer sealing points need to be installed and sealed during the assembly process
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform material and single-piece distributor is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but integration into the boundary wall is required
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor and boundary wall are merged into a single integrated component, allowing the distributor to be manufactured as a single piece from uniform material. This reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies assembly, while the integration is achieved through direct incorporation of the distributor into the boundary wall structure
4Temperature
If separate flow heater is provided in the piping system, then water heating function is achieved, but the number of components and sealing points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow heater function is integrated into the circulating pump, merging what were previously separate components (flow heater and circulating pump) into a single unit. This reduces the total number of components and eliminates additional sealing points that would be required for a separate flow heater installation
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a washing compartment having a boundary wall with a base, spray devices inside the washing compartment, and a hydraulic circuit with a distributor which subdivides a washing liquor flow into two partial flows which are each routed to the spray devices, wherein the distributor is integrated in the base.