Dishwasher Spray Arm Blocking for Faster Detergent Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In household dishwashers, the dissolution of detergent in the tab tray takes a long time due to the limited angle of spray arm rotation, which delays the development of cleaning effect and prolongs the washing program, leading to inefficiency and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device is introduced to temporarily stop the rotational movement of the spray arm, allowing targeted application of washing liquid or fresh water to the detergent placement area, ensuring quicker dissolution and enhanced cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the spray arm rotates continuously to spray items, then all dishes receive washing coverage, but the detergent dissolution time increases due to limited passage angle under the tablet tray
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is blocked in a predetermined position before the washing cycle begins, ensuring that the spray nozzles are already directed at the tablet tray placement area. This preliminary positioning allows detergent dissolution to start immediately and continuously throughout the cycle, rather than waiting for the spray arm to rotate to the correct position during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the spray arm's rotational state by introducing a blocking mechanism that can be activated or deactivated based on the washing phase. During the dissolution phase, the block is engaged to hold the spray arm stationary; during the washing phase, the block is disengaged to allow rotation. This dynamic control optimizes both dissolution efficiency and washing coverage.
2Productivity
If the spray arm is blocked to concentrate spray on the placement area, then detergent dissolves faster, but the washing coverage of dishes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm operates in periodic phases: first blocked to concentrate spray on the tablet tray for rapid detergent dissolution, then unblocked to rotate and provide comprehensive washing coverage of all dishes. This periodic switching between blocked and unblocked states ensures both fast detergent activation and complete dish coverage throughout the washing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking is applied preliminarily at the start of the cycle to ensure rapid detergent dissolution before the main washing phase begins. Once the detergent is dissolved and ready for washing, the block is removed to allow full spray coverage of the dishes, separating the dissolution function from the washing function in time.
3Loss of energy
If the spray arm rotates freely, then washing coverage is maintained, but energy is wasted due to prolonged wash cycle duration
Solution Approach 1:
By blocking the spray arm preliminarily at the start of the cycle, the system accelerates detergent dissolution so that the cleaning agent is ready for effective washing sooner. This reduces the overall time required for the wash cycle to complete, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining thorough washing coverage during the active washing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism ensures continuous and concentrated spray action on the tablet tray during the dissolution phase, maximizing the efficiency of water usage and energy consumption. By eliminating unnecessary rotation during this phase, the system maintains continuous useful action on the detergent, accelerating dissolution without wasting energy on redundant movements.
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 solution accelerates the dissolution of detergent, shortens the washing program, increases user comfort, and results in energy savings by improving the cleaning effect and reducing cycle duration.
Implementation Method 1
the spray device selectively sprays the placement area with wash liquor and/or fresh water in order to dissolve the cleaner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic dishwasher (1) having a rinse tub (2), a spraying means (22, 25) mounted rotatably in the rinse tub (2) in order to spray items to be washed (17) which are received in the rinse tub (2) with rinsing liquor and/or fresh water (F), a placement region (35), on or in which a cleaner (R) can be placed, and a blocking means (36), which is designed to block a rotary movement of the spraying means (22, 25) in such a way that the spraying means (22, 25), whilst blocked, sprays the placement region (35) with rinsing liquor and/or fresh water (F) in a targeted manner in order to thus dissolve the cleaner (R).