Dishwasher Spray Pipe Gear-Driven Rotation for Precise Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dishwashers with elongated spray-arm structures face challenges in precisely controlling the rotation angle of spray arms, leading to reduced water utilization and inefficient cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A spraying apparatus with a spray pipe and drive device featuring a transmission mechanism of driving and driven gears, allowing for accurate control of the spray pipe's rotation angle and water distribution, enhancing cleaning efficiency and water utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a motor-driven spray arm rotation system is used, then the spray arm can rotate to cover a washing area, but the rotation angle cannot be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle control precisionVSAvoiddrive mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical rotation system with a gear-based mechanical transmission system. The spray pipe rotates through gear meshing between a driven gear on the spray pipe and a driving gear, eliminating the need for motor control while achieving precise rotation angle control through the gear ratio and mechanical stop positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from motor speed/position control to gear meshing position control. By using a driving gear with specific tooth configuration and mechanical stops, the rotation angle is determined by the mechanical engagement position rather than electrical control parameters, achieving precise and repeatable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If an elongated spray-arm structure is used, then the spray arm can rotate to wash tableware, but water utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater utilization efficiencyVSAvoidspray arm length
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the washing function into multiple spray pipes positioned at different locations and angles within the washing cavity. Each spray pipe can be independently positioned to target specific areas, replacing the single elongated spray arm and improving water utilization by directing water precisely where needed without excessive spray dispersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single horizontal rotation plane (spray arm) to multi-dimensional spray coverage using multiple spray pipes positioned at different heights, angles, and locations. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes water distribution and coverage efficiency compared to the two-dimensional spray arm rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If multiple spray pipes are driven by a single driving gear, then the drive mechanism is simplified and space is saved, but reliable power transmission must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive mechanism simplicityVSAvoidpower transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driven gears onto a single driving gear structure, where the driving gear simultaneously meshes with multiple driven gears on different spray pipes. This merging of drive functions simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for separate drive units for each spray pipe while maintaining reliable power transmission through the gear meshing connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving gear is designed to perform multiple functions by simultaneously driving multiple spray pipes through its meshing engagement with multiple driven gears. This universal drive component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate motors or drive mechanisms, achieving both simplification and reliable power distribution to all spray pipes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus achieves precise control over the spray area, improving cleaning efficiency and water utilization by ensuring stable and reliable power transmission and rotation of the spray pipe, while simplifying the drive mechanism and saving space.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission mechanism includes a driving gear and a plurality of driven gears meshing with the driving gear, the driven gears are connected to the spray pipe to drive the spray pipe to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3868278B1Spraying apparatus, control method therefor, and dish-washing machine
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP3868278B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3868278B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3868278B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A spraying apparatus and control method therefor and a dish-washing machine. The spraying apparatus comprises: a spraying pipe (20), a water injection nozzle (203) being provided on the spraying pipe (20); a drive mechanism (200), the drive mechanism (200) comprising a driving gear (210) and multiple driven gears (220) engaging with the driving gear (210), and the driven gear (220) being connected to the spraying pipe (20) to drive the spraying pipe (20) to rotate; a driving mechanism (300), the driving mechanism (300) being connected to the driving gear (210) to drive the driving gear (210) to rotate. The technical solution effectively improves cleaning efficiency and cleaning accuracy.