Dishwasher Diverter With Concentric Outlets for Precise Fluid Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional diverters for dishwashers require multiple outlet points and conduits, increasing manufacturing complexity and fluid usage, and are inefficient in controlling fluid flow between different locations within the appliance.

Innovation Solution

A diverter with a housing featuring dual concentric outlets and a rotatable disk, allowing selective fluid flow to either the inner or outer port, controlled by a motor, to manage fluid distribution to multiple spray arms and locations within the dishwasher.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional diverter is used to switch fluid flow between different spray arms, then multiple outlet points and conduits are required, but this increases device complexity and manufacturing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of outlets and conduits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested outlet structure where an inner outlet is positioned concentrically within an outer outlet. The rotatable valve disk contains flow paths that can selectively align with either the inner outlet, the outer outlet, or both simultaneously. This nesting arrangement allows multiple fluid delivery paths to be achieved through a single integrated outlet structure, eliminating the need for separate conduits for each spray arm while maintaining the capability to switch fluid flow between different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional diverter with multiple outlets is used, then fluid can be delivered to different locations, but additional fluid volumes must be filled during wash cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery to multiple locationsVSAvoidfluid volume required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The nested outlet configuration allows the system to deliver fluid to different spray arms using a single integrated outlet structure. The rotatable valve disk directs fluid flow to either the inner outlet, outer outlet, or both simultaneously, enabling flexible fluid distribution without requiring separate fluid reservoirs or additional filling operations for each outlet path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If multiple separate conduits are used for different spray arms, then fluid flow control is possible, but assembly steps and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidassembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple outlet functions into a single integrated dual outlet structure. The housing contains both the inner and outer outlets in a nested arrangement, and the rotatable valve disk provides flow control for both outlets through a single rotating component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate conduits and assembly steps required compared to conventional systems that would require independent conduits and valves for each spray arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable valve disk serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow to the inner outlet, controls fluid flow to the outer outlet, and can simultaneously control both outlets. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate valves and control mechanisms for each outlet, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining full fluid flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the number of parts and assembly steps, minimizes fluid usage, and enhances control over fluid flow direction, improving cleaning and rinsing efficiency by allowing precise fluid distribution to various components during wash cycles.

Implementation Method 1

The rotatable disk is selectively rotatable so as to align an opening of the rotatable disk with either the inner port or the outer port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control through rotation:

Implementation Method 2

A motor is connected with the rotatable disk and configured for turning the rotatable disk so as to align one or more of the plurality of openings of the rotatable disk with the dual outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS8858729B2Fluid flow diverter for a dishwasher appliance

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

The present invention provides a diverter that may be used to control the flow of fluid to different locations or components within a dishwashing appliance. One or more dual outlets, each having an outer port that surrounds an inner port, can be used with rotating disk (or rotating valve) to selectively control the flow of fluid to various locations within the appliance. One or more single outlets may also be added to the diverter as desired depending upon the number of locations in the dishwasher to which the delivery of the fluid is desirable.