Dishwasher Water Distributor Layout for Dead-Zone Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dishwashers, dead zones occur due to water obstruction by supply pipes, leading to incomplete cleaning of objects loaded in those areas, and existing solutions either reduce loading volume or complicate user access.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a spray arm that sprays water upwards with main nozzles and a distributor with auxiliary nozzles positioned between the basket and spray arm, along with an intermediary element and pipe, to ensure water access to previously inaccessible areas, minimizing pressure drop and enhancing cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a distributor is positioned between the basket and spray arm to convey water, then water supply to the spray arm is improved, but dead zones are created where water cannot reach the basket
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into multiple sections with auxiliary nozzles distributed along its length. This segmentation allows water to be sprayed at multiple locations along the distributor, eliminating dead zones while maintaining reliable water supply to the spray arm.
Solution Approach 2:
Auxiliary nozzles are introduced as intermediary elements on the distributor to mediate water distribution. These nozzles act as intermediate spray points between the main water supply and the basket, ensuring complete coverage without compromising the primary water supply function.
2Productivity
If spray arms are arranged below the basket to spray water upwards, then washing coverage is improved, but supply pipes obstruct water access to certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a vertical dimension to water distribution by placing auxiliary nozzles on the distributor that spray downwards towards the basket. This creates a multi-directional spray pattern (upwards from spray arms and downwards from auxiliary nozzles) that eliminates inaccessible zones while maintaining high washing efficiency.
3Productivity
If auxiliary nozzles are added to eliminate dead zones, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
Auxiliary nozzles are strategically positioned at specific locations along the distributor where dead zones occur, rather than uniformly distributing them. This local placement ensures cleaning efficiency in critical areas while minimizing the total number of nozzles and associated pressure drop.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full spray coverage through every possible location, auxiliary nozzles are placed only where necessary to eliminate dead zones. This partial action approach achieves sufficient cleaning efficiency without the excessive pressure drop that would result from comprehensive nozzle coverage.
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 achieves efficient cleaning of dead zones without reducing loading volume, ensuring thorough washing of all objects by redirecting water spray through auxiliary nozzles, maintaining pressure and spreading water effectively across the basket.
Implementation Method 1
Water spray from the spray arm obstructed by the distributor can thus be spread onto the dead zones, ensuring an efficient cleaning in these zones, too.
Implementation Method 2
auxiliary nozzles are configured as rotary nozzles. Water is projected in rotations from the said nozzles and produces a hard blow effect on the surfaces hit, ensuring therefore the removal of dirt easily
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the auxiliary nozzles is provided with a shower cap. This causes water to be spread over a greater area and ensures efficient cleaning.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising at least one distributor (6) that enables water transfer to the spray arm (4) and at least one auxiliary nozzle (7) positioned over the distributor (6) between the basket (3) and the main nozzles (5).