Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser Flow Diverters for Deep-Chamber Washout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detergent dispensers in dishwashers face challenges in fully washing out detergent due to increased compartment depth, leading to residual detergent after cycles, as the spray jets struggle to effectively direct water into the bottom of the compartment.
Innovation Solution
The detergent dispenser module incorporates angled flow diverters, sidewall ribs, and a spreader rib to control and direct water flow into the detergent chamber, ensuring efficient washout by diverting water into fluid collection openings and spreading it along the bottom wall, enhancing detergent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the compartment depth is increased to provide maximum detergent capacity, then the detergent storage capacity is improved, but the ability to direct spray jets into the bottom of the compartment for washing out the detergent deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow diverters that redirect water flow from a vertical downward path to a horizontal path along the compartment bottom. This dimensional change in fluid flow direction enables effective washout of deep compartments without requiring deeper spray jet penetration, thus resolving the contradiction between increased detergent capacity and maintained washout effectiveness
2Quantity of substance
If the compartment depth is increased to provide maximum detergent capacity, then the detergent storage capacity is improved, but residual detergent remains in the compartment after the wet cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverters create a horizontal water flow path along the compartment bottom, enabling thorough washing of detergent residues from areas that would otherwise be inaccessible in deep compartments. This dimensional change in flow path ensures complete detergent removal while maintaining high storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverters act as intermediary structures that redirect water flow to reach the compartment bottom indirectly. Instead of relying on direct vertical spray jet penetration, the diverters mediate the water flow to sweep along the bottom surface, effectively removing residual detergent from deep compartments
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 improved design ensures a substantial portion of the detergent is washed out, reducing residual detergent and improving cleaning efficiency in dishwashers.
Implementation Method 1
The flow diverter(s) may be angled in a direction of a fluid collection opening defined through a top of the upper sidewall such that fluid flowing downwardly along the outer surface of the body is directed into the fluid collection opening
Implementation Method 2
the spreader rib is configured to spread out the flow of fluid along a width of the bottom wall
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent dispenser module for a dishwashing appliance may generally include a body extending between a top side and a bottom side. The body may include an outer surface extending from the top side and may define a detergent chamber between the outer surface and the bottom side. The detergent chamber may be at least partially formed by an upper sidewall, a lower sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the upper and lower sidewall. In addition, the dispenser module may also include at least one flow diverter extending outwardly from the outer surface at a location adjacent to the upper sidewall of the detergent chamber. The flow diverter(s) may be angled in a direction of a fluid collection opening defined through a top of the upper sidewall such that fluid flowing downwardly along the outer surface of the body is directed into the fluid collection opening.