Dishwasher Flow Controller Disk for Multi-Arm Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher flow controllers lack flexibility in distributing washing fluid to multiple spray arms simultaneously, limiting washing cycles and water efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flow controller assembly with a disk and positioning device that rotates to align apertures with specific outlets, allowing for simultaneous supply of washing fluid to all three spray arms during quick cycles and selective operation during eco cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow controller supplies washing fluid to multiple spray arms simultaneously, then washing flexibility and cleaning effectiveness are improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller employs a rotatable disk with multiple apertures that can be dynamically positioned to align with different outlet ports. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between supplying water to multiple spray arms simultaneously (for quick wash cycles) or to single spray arms (for eco cycles), enabling flexible water distribution based on cleaning needs while optimizing water consumption.
2Device complexity
If a flow controller uses a simple two-position design, then device complexity is reduced, but washing cycle versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller is segmented into multiple outlet ports (first, second, and third outlets) corresponding to different spray arms, with a rotatable disk containing multiple apertures. Each aperture can align with different outlets based on rotational position, creating distinct flow paths. This segmentation enables multiple washing cycles (quick wash with all spray arms, eco cycle with selective spray arms) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flow controller provides dedicated outlets for each spray arm, then washing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable disk serves as a universal control element that manages water distribution to multiple spray arms through a single integrated structure. The disk contains multiple apertures that can align with different outlet ports depending on rotational position, allowing one component to perform multiple functions (controlling flow to first, second, and third spray arms) without requiring separate control mechanisms for each spray arm, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher including: a washing fluid conduit system including a first washing fluid supply conduit terminating at an outlet, a second washing fluid supply conduit terminating at an outlet, and a third washing fluid supply conduit terminating at an outlet; a sump including a plate comprising (i) a first outlet for a first spray device of the washing fluid conduit system, (ii) a second outlet for a second spray device of the washing fluid conduit system, and (iii) a third outlet for a third spray device of the washing fluid conduit system; a pump for pumping washing fluid from the sump to the washing fluid conduit system; and a flow controller assembly for controlling washing fluid flow from the sump to the washing fluid conduit system, the flow controller assembly including: a disk comprising at least (i) a first aperture, (ii) a second aperture, and (iii) a fourth aperture; and a positioning device configured to: rotate the disk to align the first aperture of the disk with the first outlet and second outlet of the plate and the second aperture of the disk with the third outlet of the plate; supply, through the first, second, and third outlets of the plate, a washing fluid to the first, second, and third spray devices; rotate the disk to align the first aperture and the fourth aperture of the disk with the second and third outlets respectively of the plate; supply, through the second and third outlets of the plate, the washing fluid to the second and third spray devices; rotate the disk to align the first aperture of the disk with the first outlet of the plate; and supply, through the first outlet of the plate, the washing fluid to the first spray device.