Mid-Level Dishwasher Spray Arm With Passive Flow Diverter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers with electrically powered motors for diverters to control fluid flow in mid-level spray arm assemblies are costly and space-consuming, making it inefficient to selectively supply fluid to all outlets simultaneously due to energy and water usage regulations.

Innovation Solution

A passive diverter mechanism within the mid-level spray arm assembly uses fluid flow forces to switch between outlet ports without a dedicated motor, utilizing a rotatable disk and cams interacting with guide elements to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for an electric motor and optimizing space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an electrically powered motor is used to rotate the diverter element between different ports for fluid control, then the fluid flow control capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diverter element is designed to rotate automatically using the kinetic energy of the fluid flow itself. The fluid passing through the spray assembly creates a reactive force that causes the diverter to pivot between different ports, eliminating the need for an external motor or power source. This self-actuating mechanism reduces both manufacturing cost and space requirements while maintaining full fluid control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the fluid flow through the spray assembly to generate the mechanical force needed for diverter rotation. The fluid pressure and flow rate create a torque on the diverter element, enabling it to switch between ports without electrical components. This hydraulic actuation system replaces the electric motor while achieving the same control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If fluid is supplied to all outlets of a spray assembly at the same time, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but energy and water usage increase beyond regulatory limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidenergy and water usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The spray assembly incorporates a dynamically rotating diverter element that continuously changes the distribution of fluid flow among multiple outlets. Instead of all outlets receiving fluid simultaneously, the diverter rotates to direct fluid to different outlets in sequence, creating a dynamic fluid distribution pattern that maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing total water and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The diverter element performs periodic rotation between different outlet ports, creating a time-based sequence in which different outlets receive fluid flow. This periodic action ensures that all outlets are utilized for cleaning coverage while limiting the instantaneous water and energy input to compliant levels, as the system cycles through outlets rather than activating all simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 reduces manufacturing costs and space usage by enabling selective fluid distribution to different outlets without an electric motor, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of dishwashing operations.

Implementation Method 1

The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid within the mid-level spray arm assembly to switch between different outlet ports

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow force: Fluid Hammer

Implementation Method 2

a biasing element configured to urge the disk into the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9259137B2Mid-level spray arm assembly for dishwasher appliances
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC
  • US9259137B2 patent drawing
  • US9259137B2 patent drawing
  • US9259137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dishwasher appliance includes a mid-level spray arm assembly and a diverter disposed in a conduit of the assembly. The diverter includes a disk positioned within a chamber and rotatable about an axis, the disk defining an aperture for selectively controlling fluid flow from the chamber into outlet channels, the disk movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position, the disk defining a channel and a plurality of cams projecting into the channel. The diverter further includes a biasing element configured to urge the disk into the first position, and a boss extending from the housing into the channel of the disk, the boss defining a plurality of guide elements. The guide elements and cams are configured to interact so that movement of the disk along the axial direction between the first position and the second position causes the disk to rotate about the axis.