Dishwasher Nozzle Unit Coupling Rib Design to Reduce Flow Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dishwasher designs suffer from reduced cleaning efficiency due to flow loss caused by foreign substances and gaps in the nozzle unit, leading to reduced rotational force and spray water volume.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher incorporates a nozzle unit with a unique assembly structure featuring coupling ribs and guide ribs to minimize flow loss, enhance sealing, and improve spray efficiency, including a unit body with first and second coupling ribs, a third coupling rib, and guide ribs that narrow the flow path, ensuring efficient water flow and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotor type spraying structure with a rotating nozzle unit is applied, then spray coverage is improved, but flow loss increases due to gaps between parts and foreign substances
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle unit is divided into multiple separate components (nozzle body, cover, coupling ribs) that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows for precise fitting surfaces and coupling mechanisms that minimize gaps between parts, thereby reducing flow loss while maintaining the rotating spray structure for adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling ribs are designed to fit into corresponding grooves or spaces within the nozzle unit assembly, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach ensures tight fitting between components, eliminating gaps that would cause flow loss, while the overall rotating nozzle unit maintains its spray coverage capability.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle unit rotates by water pressure, then spray distribution is improved, but rotational force is reduced when foreign substances are present or flow loss is large
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling ribs are designed to extract or remove foreign substances from the flow path by providing smooth, continuous coupling surfaces that prevent accumulation points. This extraction of potential blockage points maintains both the rotational force needed for nozzle movement and the spray distribution quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rib design changes the geometric parameters of the flow path, creating a smoother transition and reducing turbulence. This parameter change in the flow path geometry maintains adequate rotational force by reducing energy loss, while still achieving proper spray distribution through the rotating mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If coupling ribs are added to reduce flow loss, then assembly structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling ribs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural connection between nozzle components, create sealing surfaces to eliminate gaps, and guide the assembly process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing elements or alignment features, thereby reducing flow loss without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.
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 configuration reduces flow loss, improves spray efficiency, and maintains the rotational force of the nozzle unit, resulting in enhanced cleaning performance by minimizing path resistance and ensuring effective water distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The first coupling rib and the stepped rib may be configured to abut one another
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle unit is rotated by the water pressure of the sprayed washing water while the washing water is sprayed to the washing space through the nozzle unit
Data Source
AI summary
The dishwasher includes a cabinet provided with a washing space inside thereof, and a nozzle unit for spraying washing water into the washing space. The nozzle unit includes a first unit body and a second unit body. Any one of the first and second unit bodies includes a first coupling rib formed along at least a portion of the periphery and a second coupling rib spaced apart from the first coupling rib by a predetermined distance. The other of the first and second unit bodies includes a third coupling rib inserted between the first and second coupling ribs and a second coupling rib located inside the third coupling rib, and stepped ribs configured to face each other.