Dishwasher Spray Arm Docking With Sliding Nozzles for Adjustable Baskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher designs face challenges in effectively coupling adjustable baskets with spray assemblies, requiring complex coupling features and additional components to maintain fluid supply when the basket height is adjusted, which complicates the integration with the fluid supply system.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm docking system comprising a basket conduit system and a wall conduit system, featuring nozzles with funnel shapes and sliding mechanisms, allows for adjustable basket height while maintaining a secure fluid connection to the spray arm and pump, simplifying the integration with the fluid supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex coupling features and additional components are used to couple spray assemblies to the fluid supply system when the basket is adjustable in height, then the fluid supply connection is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate conduit systems: a wall conduit system fixed to the dishwasher body and a basket conduit system attached to the adjustable basket. Each conduit system has its own nozzle structure, allowing independent positioning and connection without requiring complex coupling mechanisms between the spray assembly and fluid supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are designed with nested funnel shapes where the first nozzle of the basket conduit system fits within the second nozzle of the wall conduit system. This nested arrangement allows the adjustable basket to move vertically while maintaining fluid connection through the nested nozzle structure, eliminating the need for additional coupling components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the basket height is adjustable, then the adaptability to various dish sizes is improved, but the coupling complexity with the fluid supply system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket conduit system is designed to move dynamically with the adjustable basket while maintaining fluid connection. The sliding plate mechanism allows the basket conduit to slide vertically within the wall conduit system, enabling height adjustment without requiring complex re-coupling of the fluid supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall conduit system with its sliding plate and nested nozzle structure serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed fluid supply connection point, guides the movable basket conduit, and maintains sealing throughout the adjustment range. This universal structure handles both the fluid supply and the mechanical guidance functions without additional components.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to maintain fluid supply during basket adjustment, then the reliability of fluid connection is improved, but the potential for leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal ring is used at the interface between the first nozzle (basket conduit) and the second nozzle (wall conduit). This flexible sealing element maintains the fluid-tight connection during vertical movement of the adjustable basket, preventing leaks without requiring additional rigid coupling components or complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding plate acts as an intermediary component between the movable basket conduit system and the fixed wall conduit system. It provides a guided sliding interface that maintains alignment and sealing during adjustment, reducing the risk of misalignment-related leaks while enabling smooth height adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking system includes basket and wall conduit systems. The basket conduit system includes a conduit and first and second nozzles mounted to opposite ends of the conduit. The second nozzle has a first funnel shape with a first circumference that decreases from an open end of the second nozzle towards the conduit. The wall conduit system includes front and back housings, a sliding plate, and a third nozzle. A sliding aperture is formed through a front plate of the front housing. A nozzle aperture is formed through a back plate of the back housing. The sliding plate slides within a space formed by the front housing and the back housing. The third nozzle is sized and shaped to slide within the sliding aperture and includes a generally cylindrical shape and a second funnel shape with a second circumference that decreases from the sliding plate towards the generally cylindrical shape.