Dishwasher Spray Arm Assembly With Self-Driven Auxiliary Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in water distribution and spray arm rotation, leading to uneven washing and potential clogging due to the design of the spray arm assembly, which affects the effectiveness of washing dishes.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher incorporates a sump with a main arm and auxiliary arm configuration, featuring a transfer flow passage and auxiliary flow passage system, along with an auxiliary arm connection member that includes a flow tube and support ribs to facilitate water flow and rotation of the auxiliary arms, allowing for efficient water distribution and spray without the need for a separate driving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spray arm design is used, then the structure is simple, but water distribution is uneven and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm assembly is divided into a main arm and multiple auxiliary arms that can rotate independently. Each auxiliary arm has its own rotation axis and spray nozzles, allowing segmented water distribution across different zones. This segmentation enables uniform water coverage while preventing clogging through multiple independent flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary arms are designed to rotate dynamically around their respective axes during operation. This dynamic rotation allows the spray pattern to adapt and cover different areas, improving water distribution uniformity. The rotation mechanism uses water flow pressure itself to drive movement, eliminating the need for external motors.
2Ease of operation
If a separate driving device is added to rotate the auxiliary arm, then rotation control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary arm rotation system is designed to be self-driven by the water flow pressure. As water flows through the auxiliary arm, the reaction force automatically rotates the arm around its axis. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external motors, gears, or other complex driving devices, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles where water flow pressure serves dual purposes: providing the spray function and simultaneously driving the rotation of auxiliary arms. The water pressure acts on the auxiliary arm structure to generate rotational motion, converting the fluid energy into mechanical rotation without additional components.
3Area of stationary object
If the auxiliary arm is fixed, then the structure is stable, but water distribution coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary arms are designed with rotational freedom around their axes, transforming from a fixed static structure to a dynamic one. During operation, water pressure causes the auxiliary arms to rotate, expanding the spray coverage area. The rotation is controlled within reasonable limits to maintain stability while achieving broader coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The main arm and auxiliary arms are merged into an integrated assembly where the auxiliary arms are connected to the main arm structure. This merging allows the auxiliary arms to benefit from the main arm's stable positioning while adding rotational capability for expanded coverage. The combined structure maintains overall stability while enabling dynamic spray patterns.
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 configuration enhances the distribution of wash water, improves the rotation of spray arms, and ensures effective washing of dishes by utilizing the repulsive force generated by water flow, reducing clogging and improving washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the repulsive force generated by water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher may include a sump configured to store water, a main arm disposed at the sump and configured to supply water from the sump, an auxiliary arm rotatably disposed at the main arm and configured to spray water, and an auxiliary arm connection member disposed at the main arm and configured to rotatably support the auxiliary arm, where the auxiliary arm may include an auxiliary flow passage configured to allow water flow through the auxiliary arm, where the main arm may include a transfer flow passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary flow passage, where the auxiliary arm connection member may include a flow tube disposed at the main arm in fluid communication with the transfer flow passage and the auxiliary flow passage.