Dishwasher Spray Arm Locking for Intensive Cleaning Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are inadequate for achieving intensive cleaning of heavily soiled items due to limited spatial coverage of additional spray nozzles, restricting user choice in loading positions and potentially leaving large items only partially cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a locking device that fixes the spray arm in predetermined positions for extended periods, allowing for selective intensive cleaning of specific areas, combined with a blocking mechanism for the spray arm wings to control washing liquor flow and an optional cleaning agent receptacle for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional spray nozzles are added for intensive cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but spatial coverage remains limited and user loading flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spray direction. The rotation mechanism enables the spray arm to reach different areas of the washing compartment, providing both intensive cleaning at targeted locations and flexibility for various loading configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray arm combines multiple functions: it provides standard cleaning through rotation, intensive cleaning when positioned at specific angles, and adapts to different item placements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixed nozzles while maintaining loading flexibility.
2Reliability
If spray arm rotation is restricted to fixed positions, then intensive cleaning at specific locations is achieved, but coverage of other areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm operates in periodic cycles, alternating between rotation for general coverage and stationary positioning for intensive cleaning. This periodic switching between different operational modes ensures both comprehensive coverage and targeted intensive cleaning without compromising either function.
3Productivity
If the spray arm is fixed in position for intensive cleaning, then cleaning concentration is improved, but cleaning duration at other areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The washing program implements periodic cycles where the spray arm alternates between intensive cleaning mode (fixed position) and general cleaning mode (rotating). This time-based periodic operation ensures that intensive cleaning receives concentrated attention while other areas receive adequate coverage over the complete washing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that while the spray arm is fixed for intensive cleaning, the circulation pump continues to recirculate washing liquor, and other spray arms or cleaning mechanisms continue to operate, ensuring no area is left without cleaning attention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher with a washing container (2) providing a washing chamber (3) for receiving items to be cleaned and a spray device (4) arranged within the washing container (2) for applying washing solution to items to be cleaned, wherein the spray device (4) has a rotatably mounted spray arm (5), characterized by a locking device (24) that interacts with the spray arm (5).