Dishwasher Tubular Spray Element with Image-Based Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm systems are inefficient as they waste resources by evenly distributing wash fluid across all areas, leading to inadequate cleaning in corners and increased noise, and lack precision in targeting dirty areas.
Innovation Solution
An image-based position sensor is used to control a discretely directable tubular spray element, allowing for precise rotation and fluid distribution based on sensed positions and patterns, ensuring targeted cleaning and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If spray arms are used to distribute wash fluid, then wash fluid can be distributed across all areas, but resources are wasted and cleaning precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing system into multiple independently controllable spray elements instead of using a single continuous spray arm. Each spray element can be selectively activated and directed to specific zones, allowing precise targeting of dirty areas while leaving clean areas undisturbed, thereby reducing wash fluid waste and improving cleaning precision simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different spray elements to operate with different characteristics based on local needs. Each spray element can be independently controlled to direct wash fluid precisely where needed, providing concentrated cleaning power to dirty zones while avoiding waste in already clean areas, thus resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and cleaning precision
2Reliability
If spray arms rotate continuously to cover all areas, then all areas receive wash fluid, but corner coverage is insufficient and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous rotation with dynamic, discrete positioning of spray elements. Spray elements can be rapidly positioned to specific angular locations and held stationary during spraying, providing reliable corner coverage through targeted positioning rather than continuous motion, while significantly reducing noise from constant rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by activating spray elements in sequential cycles rather than continuous operation. Each spray element operates intermittently at its designated position, ensuring thorough corner coverage through repeated targeted spraying while minimizing noise by eliminating continuous rotational motion
3Loss of energy
If spray arms are used to provide focused washing, then resource efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified spray element system. Each tubular spray element integrates fluid distribution, rotational positioning, and directional control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms while achieving focused washing and improved energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing spray elements that can perform multiple functions: distributing wash fluid, positioning at various angular locations, and directing spray to different zones. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, while maintaining high energy efficiency through precise targeting
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 enhances cleaning efficiency by focusing wash fluid on needed areas, improving corner coverage, and reducing noise by optimizing the spray pattern and fluid flow, leading to better wash performance and resource conservation.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device configured to sense a rotational position of the tubular spray element about the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher and method utilize an image-based position sensor that is positioned to sense the rotational position of a discretely directable tubular spray element driven by a tubular spray element drive.