Dishwasher Rack Fluid Coupling With Position-Activated Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers require complex coupling features and additional components to properly couple adjustable and removable racks with the fluid supply system, complicating the fluid distribution and increasing manufacturing costs and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a fluid supply system that includes a valve and conduits configured to engage and disengage based on the rack's position, allowing fluid flow only when the rack is in the engaged position, and preventing flow when disengaged, using a ball and inclined surfaces to control fluid exit from the conduit outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex coupling features and additional components are used to properly couple spray assemblies to the fluid supply system, then the spray assembly can be properly coupled to permit proper functioning of the dishwasher, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling mechanism and valve operation into a single integrated action. The spray assembly coupling features directly operate the valve through mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for separate coupling and sealing components. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling features serve multiple functions simultaneously: they mechanically attach the spray assembly to the rack, position the valve, and operate the valve to control fluid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while ensuring proper functioning.
2Loss of substance
If additional sealing components are added to prevent fluid loss when rack is removed, then fluid loss is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from separate sealing components and integrates it into the valve mechanism itself. The valve's mechanical operation automatically provides sealing when the spray assembly is removed, eliminating the need for additional sealing parts while preventing fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system performs self-sealing through its own mechanical operation. When the spray assembly is removed, the valve automatically returns to its closed position through spring force or gravity, sealing the fluid passage without requiring separate sealing components or external intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple coupling mechanism is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of fluid supply to adjustable racks may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the valve automatically adjusts its position based on the spray assembly's position. The mechanical linkage translates the spray assembly's movement into corresponding valve operation, ensuring reliable fluid supply across all rack positions without complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage acts as an intermediary between the spray assembly coupling and the valve operation. This simple intermediary mechanism reliably transmits the coupling action to the valve, ensuring consistent fluid supply while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
Simplifies the coupling mechanism, reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes fluid loss and noise, and allows for easy adjustment and removal of racks without additional sealing components, enhancing user flexibility and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid supply system for an appliance includes a conduit having an outlet and a ball that is moveable between a first position and a second position such that the ball permits a fluid to exit the outlet only when the ball is in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub formed by a plurality of walls defining an interior and an exterior, a first conduit coupled to the tub, a valve coupled to the first conduit, a rack moveable between an engaged horizontal position and a disengaged horizontal position and between an upper vertical position and a lower vertical position, and a second conduit coupled to the rack. A first portion of the second conduit engages the valve when the rack is in the upper vertical position, and a second portion of the second conduit engages the valve when the rack is in the lower vertical position. The valve permits fluid to flow from the first conduit to the second conduit when the rack is in the engaged horizontal position. The valve does not permit fluid to flow from the first conduit to the interior when the rack is in the disengaged horizontal position.