Dishwasher Nozzle Rib Sealing for Low-Loss Rotating Spray

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing dishwasher nozzle structures suffer from flow loss due to gaps between parts, reducing the rotational force and spray efficiency, leading to decreased cleaning efficiency for tableware.

Innovation Solution

The dishwasher incorporates a nozzle unit with a unique coupling rib structure that enhances sealing and reduces flow resistance, featuring coupling ribs and a stepped rib configuration to improve the sealing of the inner space, along with guide ribs that narrow the path width to concentrate the washing water flow and enhance injection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a rotor type spraying structure with rotating nozzle unit is applied, then spray coverage is improved, but flow loss increases due to gaps between parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray coverageVSAvoidflow loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle unit is divided into multiple segments (first nozzle segment, second nozzle segment, third nozzle segment) that can rotate independently or in coordination. Each segment has its own injection holes and coupling ribs, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive spray coverage while maintaining tight sealing between segments to minimize flow loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling ribs are designed with nested structures where the first coupling rib, second coupling rib, and third coupling rib fit into corresponding grooves and spaces between unit bodies. The stepped rib structure creates nested sealing chambers that prevent water leakage while maintaining rotational movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Speed

If nozzle unit rotates by water pressure, then rotational motion is achieved, but rotational force is reduced due to foreign substances and flow loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational speedVSAvoidrotational force

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure with coupling ribs and stepped ribs is pre-configured to prevent foreign substance accumulation and water leakage before they can affect rotational performance. The rounded corners and smooth transitions are designed in advance to minimize turbulence and maintain water pressure throughout rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling ribs act as intermediary sealing elements between the unit bodies, preventing direct contact and potential leakage paths. The stepped rib structure creates intermediate sealing chambers that maintain water pressure while allowing rotational movement, serving as a mediator between the conflicting requirements of sealing and rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of substance

If gap sealing is improved in nozzle assembly, then water loss is reduced, but cleaning efficiency is reduced due to decreased spray performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater lossVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure applies different sealing mechanisms at different locations: the first coupling rib provides sealing at the primary interface, the second coupling rib provides additional sealing at a different location, and the third coupling rib with stepped rib provides enhanced sealing in the gap region. This localized quality approach ensures water loss prevention without compromising spray performance in other critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 rotating nozzle unit injects washing water while rotating by water pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The nozzle unit is rotated by the water pressure of the sprayed washing water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

The first coupling rib and the stepped rib may be configured to abut one another... reduces flow loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow resistance reduction:

Implementation Method 4

providing better sealing of the nozzle assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 5

guide ribs that narrow the path width to concentrate the washing water flow and enhance injection efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow concentration:

Data Source

PatentEP3254600B1dishwasher

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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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 (140) and a second unit body (120). Any one of the first and second unit bodies includes a first coupling rib (150) formed along at least a portion of the periphery and a second coupling rib (152) 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 (132) inserted between the first and second coupling ribs and a stepped rib (132) located inside the third coupling rib (130).