Gravity-Operated Dishwasher Diverter Valve for Alternating Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water diverter systems in dishwashers are costly and complex, or require extra water and higher pumping requirements, making them inefficient for alternating water flow between multiple spray arm assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The use of gravity and flow-operated diverter valves with a housing and pivotable valve member that automatically seals alternate outlet openings based on liquid flow, eliminating the need for solenoid valves or ball-driven systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to divert water between spray assemblies, then water flow alternation is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve member is designed to automatically alternate water flow between outlet openings based on water flow direction and pressure, without requiring external solenoid valves or electronic controls. The valve member pivots on its own in response to flow conditions, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical solenoid valve systems with a simpler gravity and flow-driven mechanical diverter valve. The valve member uses water flow pressure and gravity to automatically switch between outlets, substituting electronic-mechanical solenoid actuation with pure fluid-mechanical operation.
2Ease of operation
If a pump driven column of water moving a floating ball is used to divert water, then water flow alternation is achieved, but extra water consumption and higher pumping requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve member automatically responds to incoming water flow direction and pressure to alternate outlet selection, without requiring a separate pump-driven water column or floating ball mechanism. The system uses the main water flow itself to actuate the valve, eliminating the need for additional water consumption for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary pump-driven water column and floating ball components from the system. By using the main water flow directly to actuate the diverter valve member, the design removes the redundant water-consuming mechanism while maintaining the water flow alternation function.
3Ease of operation
If conventional diverter systems are used, then water flow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve assembly uses simple, inexpensive components including a basic valve member, housing, and sealing elements that can be manufactured at low cost. The design avoids expensive solenoid valves, pumps, and electronic controls, opting instead for simple mechanical components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electronic-mechanical solenoid valve systems with a simple gravity and flow-driven mechanical diverter valve. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for expensive coils, electronics, and complex actuation mechanisms while maintaining effective water flow control.
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 solution reduces water usage and system complexity, providing an efficient and cost-effective method to alternate water flow between spray arm assemblies in dishwashers without requiring additional electronics or water, thus enhancing environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
A valve member has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the valve member being movably suspended within the housing by the first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening
Implementation Method 2
the housing interior and the valve member are cooperatively configured so that on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. A valve member is movably suspended within the housing by a first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. On successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.