Dishwashing appliance having a wirelessly powered spray assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing appliance spray assemblies rely on fluid pressure for movement, making it difficult to control spray path and speed without affecting fluid force, and are prone to blockages due to minimized friction, especially for those mounted above racks, leading to inadequate coverage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wireless power transmission system with a wireless power transmitter and receiver, along with an electric motor, to control the movement of the spray arm independently of fluid pressure, allowing for variable and controlled movement without mechanical linkages that could create leak points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If spray assembly movement is controlled by fluid pressure, then the spray assembly can rotate 360 degrees relative to the wash chamber, but it is difficult to alter the path or speed of movement without impacting the force of fluid directed from the spray assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional fluid-pressure-based mechanical drive system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor is coupled to the spray arm via a drive shaft, allowing independent control of the spray arm's rotational speed and path without affecting the fluid pressure and spray force. This substitution enables precise control of movement parameters while maintaining spray performance.
2Ease of operation
If friction is minimized to permit fluid pressure-controlled movement, then the spray assembly can move freely, but the spray assembly becomes prone to blockages that prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluid-pressure-driven mechanical system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor provides positive mechanical drive through a drive shaft coupled to the spray arm, eliminating reliance on fluid pressure to overcome friction and potential blockages. This ensures reliable movement even when friction increases or blockages occur, as the motor can directly overcome resistive forces.
3Ease of operation
If additional mechanical connections are introduced through the tub to control spray movement, then control precision improves, but additional potential leak points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless power transmission system as an intermediary between the external power source and the electric motor inside the tub. The wireless power transmitter communicates with the wireless power receiver on the spray arm through electromagnetic coupling, allowing power transmission without physical connections penetrating the tub wall. This eliminates additional mechanical connections and potential leak points while enabling precise motor control.
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 enables precise control over the spray arm's movement and coverage within the dishwashing chamber, preventing blockages and ensuring comprehensive cleaning without introducing additional leak points, thereby enhancing the appliance's cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless power transmitter may be spaced apart from the fluid pump in operable communication with the wireless power receiver to transmit an electromagnetic field thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a spray arm, a fluid pump, an electric motor, a wireless power receiver, and a wireless power transmitter. The tub may define a wash chamber within the cabinet. The spray arm may be movably disposed within the wash chamber. The spray arm may define one or more orifices to direct wash fluid to the wash chamber. The fluid pump may be in fluid communication with the spray arm to motivate wash fluid thereto. The electric motor may be mounted apart from the fluid pump in mechanical communication with the spray arm to direct a spray position thereof. The wireless power receiver may be in electrical communication with the electric motor. The wireless power transmitter may be spaced apart from the fluid pump in operable communication with the wireless power receiver to transmit an electromagnetic field thereto.