Dishwasher Multi-Axis Rotatable Sprayer for Corner Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers often struggle to provide thorough cleaning, especially in the corners of the tub, due to the limitations of fixed sprayer systems that fail to effectively reach and clean these areas with efficient water usage and energy efficiency considerations.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable sprayer system with a spray head mounted on two rotating arms, allowing the spray head to move in a path that covers the entire tub, including corners, by translating and rotating along distinct axes, ensuring comprehensive coverage and efficient water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed sprayer system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning coverage in corners is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one with multiple rotating arms that can change position and orientation. The first arm rotates about a first axis, the second arm rotates about a second axis, and the spray head rotates about a third axis, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its coverage area to reach all corners and surfaces of the tub.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational dimensions to the sprayer system. Instead of a single fixed position, the spray head can rotate about three different axes (first axis for the first arm, second axis for the second arm, third axis for the spray head itself), creating a multi-dimensional coverage pattern that encompasses the entire tub including corners.
2Area of stationary object
If water is distributed throughout the entire tub simultaneously, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but water usage and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system uses periodic rotation of the arms and spray head to sequentially cover different areas of the tub. The first arm rotates to position the second arm, which rotates to position the spray head, creating a periodic scanning motion that covers the entire tub over time rather than attempting to flood all areas simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation allows the system to concentrate water spray on smaller sections of the tub at any given moment while still achieving comprehensive coverage over the rotation cycle. The spray head can focus its output on a localized area as it passes by, then move to the next section, reducing total water usage compared to simultaneous full-tub flooding.
3Ease of operation
If the spray head remains stationary, then the device complexity is minimized, but corner cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head is made dynamic through three levels of rotation: the first arm rotating about a first axis, the second arm rotating about a second axis, and the spray head itself rotating about a third axis. This multi-axis rotation enables the spray head to reach corners and hard-to-access areas that would be impossible for a stationary sprayer.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into three independent rotational components (first arm, second arm, spray head), each capable of rotating about its own axis. This segmentation allows for independent control and optimization of each rotational movement, enabling precise positioning of the spray head in corner areas while managing overall system complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher has a treating chamber with four corners and a rotatable sprayer located within the treating chamber, where the sprayer includes two conduit segments which rotate about two different axes and a spray head which rotates about yet another axis. The combined rotation of the conduit segments moves the spray head in a non-circular path around the treating chamber.