Rotatable Dishwasher Diverter Valve for Targeted Spray Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm systems are inefficient as they waste resources by equally distributing wash fluid across all areas, leading to incomplete cleaning of utensils, especially in corners, and generate unnecessary noise due to uncontrolled spray direction.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a rotatable conduit and diverter valve system that controls fluid flow to a tubular spray element, allowing precise direction of wash fluid through a docking arrangement with rotatable ports and valve members to restrict fluid flow, ensuring focused cleaning and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If spray arms distribute wash fluid equally over all areas, then all areas receive fluid coverage, but resources are wasted and cleaning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a diverter valve system that directs wash fluid to specific localized areas of the wash tub rather than distributing it uniformly. The valve can be positioned to direct fluid to corners, centers, or other specific zones, allowing each area to receive fluid according to its specific cleaning needs, thereby eliminating waste while maintaining precise fluid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter valve is designed to be rotatable and adjustable, allowing dynamic redirection of wash fluid flow during the wash cycle. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt fluid distribution in real-time, focusing water where needed most and reducing overall consumption compared to static uniform distribution systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If spray arms follow a circular path, then coverage is simplified, but corner areas are not covered thoroughly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wash tub into multiple zones (e.g., corners, center, sides) and uses a segmented spray approach. The diverter valve can be positioned to direct spray arms or fluid jets to specific zones sequentially or simultaneously, ensuring thorough corner coverage without requiring complex multi-arm mechanisms throughout the entire tub.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter valve acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the water supply and the spray delivery system. It enables precise routing of water to different tub areas, including corners, without requiring complex mechanical spray arm configurations. The valve serves as a control intermediary that simplifies the overall spray system while achieving comprehensive coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spray jets are directed to the sides of the wash tub, then fluid distribution is simplified, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve system is configured to prevent spray jets from directing fluid against the sides of the wash tub by providing predetermined routing paths. The valve can be positioned to angle sprays toward the center or bottom of the tub, preemptively avoiding contact with tub walls that would generate noise, thus eliminating the harmful noise effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls spray direction by changing the angular parameters of the diverter valve. By adjusting the valve angle, the spray trajectory is modified to direct fluid away from tub walls and toward acceptable discharge areas, reducing noise through parameter control rather than complex mechanical positioning.
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 system enhances cleaning efficiency by directing wash fluid precisely where needed, reducing resource waste and noise by controlling the spray pattern and flow, ensuring thorough cleaning of utensils in all areas, including corners.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member disposed at a predetermined rotational position about an axis of rotation of the conduit such that a fluid inlet on a rotatable valve body may be rotated to the predetermined rotational position to restrict fluid flow to the conduit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A dishwasher with rotatable diverter valve, comprises a wash tub(16),a rack(310) supported in the wash tub and movable between loading and washing positions,a rotatable conduit supported by the rack for movement with the rack, the conduit having a connector for receiving fluid,and a docking arrangement coupled to a rear wall of the wash tub and configured to engage with the connector of the conduit when the rack is in the washing position to supply fluid to the conduit,a diverter valve(362) to control via rotation the flow of fluid such as wash fluid or pressurized air to a rotatable conduit supported in the rack of a dishwasher. A valve member may be disposed at a predetermined rotational position about an axis of rotation of the conduit such that a fluid inlet on a rotatable valve body may be rotated to the predetermined rotational position to restrict fluid flow to the conduit. A method for operating the dishwasher. The structures are simplified,and more efficient.