Dishwasher Reflecting Plate Drive for Auto Direction Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers with linearly reciprocating reflecting plates lack the ability to automatically switch movement direction without external control, potentially damaging dishes if they interfere with the plate's path, and often generate vibration and noise during operation.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a reflecting plate assembly driven by a motor with a belt system and cam unit that allows the plate to automatically switch directions when external force is applied, using a belt with alternating portions and a cam mechanism to transmit power and change direction, and elastic legs to reduce vibration and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reflecting plate linearly reciprocates in the wash tub, then wash water can be distributed onto dishes, but the plate may damage dishes if dishes are positioned on its movement path
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting plate is designed to dynamically change its movement pattern based on external forces. When a dish interferes with the plate's path, the plate automatically switches from linear reciprocation to a different movement pattern, allowing it to bypass the obstacle and continue distributing wash water without damaging the dish.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the interference force from the dish itself to trigger the movement change. The external force applied to the reflecting plate by the dish automatically initiates the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems to detect and avoid the dish.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor rotates in normal and reverse directions to drive the reflecting plate, then bidirectional control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor and the reflecting plate. The cam converts the motor's unidirectional rotation into bidirectional reciprocating motion of the reflecting plate, eliminating the need for a complex bidirectional motor control system while achieving the same functional result.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical bidirectional control with a simpler mechanical cam mechanism. The cam's geometric profile naturally produces the reciprocating motion pattern, substituting mechanical design for electrical control complexity.
3Power
If a belt system is used to drive the reflecting plate, then power transmission is achieved, but vibration and noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The belt system is pre-tensioned and positioned to minimize slack and vibration during operation. The cam mechanism is designed to engage smoothly with the belt, cushioning the power transmission to reduce impact vibrations and noise generation while maintaining effective drive force.
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
The solution enables the reflecting plate to automatically adjust its movement direction to avoid dishes, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing vibration and noise, while allowing for efficient water distribution and operation with either single-direction or reversible motors.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to elastically support the second cam
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting plate to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto the dishes accommodated in the basket
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwasher comprising a body (10), a wash tub (12) provided in the body, a basket (14) provided in the wash tub and adapted to accommodate dishes, a spray unit (43) fixed to the wash tub and adapted to spray wash water, a reflecting plate assembly (50) to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto the dishes accommodated in the basket, and a drive unit (300) to drive the reflecting plate assembly, wherein the drive unit (300) comprises a motor (310) to generate driving force, a belt (340) to connected to the motor to transmit the driving force, a belt holder (500) to receive the driving force from the belt, a guide rail (200) to guide movement of the belt holde, and a reflecting plate holder (70) to connect the belt holder to the reflecting plate assembly, wherein the belt holder comprises a belt holder body (510) coupled to the belt and a plurality of elastic legs (530) protruding from the belt holder body to be supported by the guide rail.