Dishwasher Reflecting Plate Cam Drive for Obstacle-Aware Reciprocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers with linearly reciprocating reflecting plates face issues of dish damage when dishes are positioned on the movement path and require complex motor control to manage movement direction and vibration/noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a reflecting plate assembly driven by a motor with a belt system and cam unit that automatically switches movement direction upon external force, using a belt with alternating portions and a cam unit with teeth and springs to manage power transmission and movement, allowing the reflecting plate to change direction without reversing the motor and minimizing vibration and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reflecting plate linearly reciprocates in the wash tub to divert wash water onto dishes, then wash water distribution is improved, but dishes positioned on the movement path may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting plate is designed to dynamically change its movement direction from linear reciprocation to rotational movement when external force is detected. The cam unit converts linear motion to rotational motion, allowing the plate to pivot and avoid dishes, thus preventing damage while maintaining wash water distribution effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when dishes are positioned on the movement path through external force application and self-corrects by switching movement direction. The cam unit and spring mechanism enable automatic direction switching without external control, allowing the reflecting plate to serve itself by avoiding obstacles.
2Ease of operation
If a motor rotates in normal and reverse directions to drive the reflecting plate, then movement direction control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the reflecting plate. It converts the motor's single-direction rotation into bidirectional linear reciprocation of the reflecting plate through cam profile design, eliminating the need for complex bidirectional motor control while achieving precise movement direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic bidirectional motor control with a simpler mechanical cam mechanism. The cam profile inherently controls the reciprocating motion and direction switching, substituting mechanical design for complex control system requirements.
3Productivity
If a reflecting plate linearly reciprocates at high speed to improve washing efficiency, then productivity increases, but vibration and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting plate dynamically switches between linear reciprocation and rotational movement modes. During rotational movement, the plate maintains high speed for washing efficiency while the rotational motion pattern generates less vibration and noise compared to linear reciprocation, thus reducing harmful factors while preserving productivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflecting plate automatically switches movement direction upon external force, then dish damage is prevented, but device complexity increases due to cam unit and spring mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cam unit serves as a simple mechanical intermediary that translates external force from dishes into directional movement changes. Rather than requiring complex sensors and control systems, the cam profile passively converts force application into automatic direction switching, preventing dish damage with minimal added complexity.
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
Prevents dish damage by automatically switching the reflecting plate's movement direction when interrupted and reduces vibration and noise during operation, enabling efficient wash water distribution without complex motor control.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to elastically support the second cam
Implementation Method 2
a cam unit engaged with one of the first portion and the second portion to transmit power of the belt to the reflecting plate assembly
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting plate assembly to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto the dishes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a dishwasher including a spray unit fixed to one sidewall of a wash tub and a reflecting plate assembly to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto dishes and to linearly reciprocate in a spray direction of the wash water sprayed from the spray unit. The dishwasher further includes a drive unit to drive the reflecting plate assembly, and a cam unit to transmit driving force of the drive unit to the reflecting plate assembly. The drive unit includes a motor to generate rotational force, and a belt forming a closed loop and caused to make cyclic movement by the motor. The cam unit is engaged with the belt to transmit power of the belt to the reflecting plate assembly. The cam is alternately engaged with first and second portions of the belt to cause the reflecting plate assembly to reciprocate.