Dishwasher Spray Arm Positioning for Selectable Wash Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers with dedicated wash zones are complex and expensive, making it difficult to pack large or complex items and inefficiently use intense washing where needed, leading to increased energy and water consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a control unit and position detection system that allows operators to select wash zones within the washing chamber, locking the spray arm in desired positions to create intense washing areas, reducing component complexity and energy use by focusing intense washing only where needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated wash zone with additional nozzles or spray arms is added to intensify washing in a selected area, then the washing intensity in the wash zone is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is made dynamically controllable through a locking mechanism that can position the spray arm at different angular positions around the washing chamber. The motor can rotate the spray arm to selected positions, and the locking mechanism holds it there to create a focused wash zone. This dynamic positioning allows the system to concentrate washing intensity in specific areas without adding permanent structural complexity like additional nozzles or spray arms.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional nozzles or a dedicated spray arm are added to create a wash zone, then the washing intensity in the selected area is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing spray arm is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a general circulation spray arm and as a focused wash zone creator through controlled positioning. The same spray arm structure is used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated spray arms or nozzles for the wash zone. This universal use of existing components reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the desired washing intensity in selected areas.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed wash zone is provided in the dishwasher, then the washing intensity in that zone is improved, but the adaptability to different packing configurations and washing needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wash zone is made dynamic and reconfigurable through motor-driven rotation and locking mechanism positioning. The spray arm can be rotated to different angular positions and locked at selected locations, allowing the wash zone to be repositioned based on different packing configurations and washing needs. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to provide intense washing in various locations around the washing chamber, accommodating different user requirements and item arrangements.
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
The solution provides a flexible and cost-effective way to create intense wash zones, allowing for efficient packing of dirty items and reducing energy and water consumption by ensuring intense washing is applied only where necessary.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure in the water fed from the water pump is controlled by the control unit and the support element is arranged to lock the spray arm in the selected position when the pressure in the water fed from the water pump exceeds a predetermined level
Implementation Method 2
the support element is arranged to lock the spray arm in the selected position when the pressure in the water fed from the water pump exceeds a predetermined level
Implementation Method 3
one or more nozzles arranged in the outer ends of the spray arm and directed sideways to generate the force required to rotate the spray arm around an axis A in the dishing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~5b
AI summary
An arrangement for a dishwasher (10) for creating a wash zone with a selectable position within a washing chamber (11) of the dishwasher (10), said arrangement comprising: a water spray arm (8) rotatably arranged around an axis A in the washing chamber (11); a support element (18) arranged to support the spray arm (8) in the washing chamber (11), said support element (18) is able to lock the spray arm (8) in at least one position within the washing chamber (11); a control unit (25) arranged to control the operation of the dishwasher; and a user interface (24) for selecting the desired wash zone position within the washing chamber (11), and arranged to communicate the information to the control unit (25); wherein the control unit (25) locks the support element in the selected position to create the wash zone. Furthermore, a dishwasher comprising said arrangement and a method for creating a wash zone with a selectable position is disclosed.