Dual-Compartment Dishwasher Spray Arm for Selective Wash Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing machine spray arms lack flexibility in water flow direction, resulting in inadequate washing of lower racks, especially during 'single rack wash' modes, and increasing energy and noise levels due to the need for additional jet holes to enhance coverage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual conduit system with a water diverting mechanism within the spray arm allows for selective and independent control of water flow paths, enabling the spray arm to alternate between upward and downward sprays, enhancing wash performance on lower racks without increasing energy consumption or noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If additional jet holes are added to increase total spray arm flow rate, then spray arm coverage is improved, but water pressure reduction and increased pump prime requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is segmented into multiple independent spray zones with separate water supply conduits. Each zone can be controlled independently, allowing water to be directed to specific areas rather than distributing it uniformly across all jet holes. This segmentation enables maintaining high water pressure in active zones while improving overall coverage through selective activation of different spray sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls water flow distribution to different spray zones based on operational requirements. By using solenoid valves or other control mechanisms, the system can activate specific spray zones as needed, creating a dynamic water distribution pattern that maintains pressure while achieving comprehensive coverage over time through sequential activation of different zones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spray arms are used in single rack wash mode, then upper rack receives downward spray from upper spray arm, but lower rack receives insufficient wash coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow it to adapt its spray pattern based on the selected wash mode. In single rack wash mode, the system can dynamically redirect water flow to provide both upward and downward spray from the same spray arm, ensuring reliable wash coverage for the active rack while maintaining the ability to switch between different spray configurations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray arm is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple spray directions (upward and downward) and multiple spray zones from a single component. This universal design allows the same spray arm to effectively serve different rack configurations and wash modes, providing reliable coverage whether washing the upper rack, lower rack, or both simultaneously.
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 provides improved wash performance on lower racks in both 'normal' and 'single rack wash' modes, reducing energy consumption and noise levels by allowing for targeted water distribution, doubling the spray arm's coverage area without increasing water pressure or pump prime requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a dual conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated rotatably mounted spray arm having an inlet hub and at least a first and a second radially extending section extending from the inlet hub. Each section includes a plurality of orifices for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher
Implementation Method 2
spray arms which rotate on a horizontal plane having orifices or jet holes which spray the washing and rinsing liquid upwardly and or downwardly against the dishes in the racks thereabove or therebelow
Data Source
AI summary
A spray assembly for an automatic dishwasher is provided comprising a conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated spray arm including an upper surface and a lower surface. The spray arm includes a dividing wall between the upper surface and the lower surface. The spray arm includes a plurality of orifices formed in the upper surface and the lower surface for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The dividing wall and the upper surface define an upper interior compartment and the dividing wall and the lower surface define a lower interior compartment. The conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into the upper compartment, the lower compartment, or both the upper and the lower compartments.