Dishwasher Spray Assembly for Uniform Coverage in Rectangular Tubs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwasher appliances face challenges in evenly distributing wash fluid due to the rectangular or square cross-section of wash chambers, which can lead to incomplete cleaning and interference from large articles with the middle spray arm, affecting both cleaning efficiency and perceived capacity.

Innovation Solution

A spray assembly with a rotatable spray member, biasing mechanism, and multiple nozzles that rotate between positions to ensure uniform wash fluid distribution, allowing the spray member to adjust its position based on fluid flow, thereby addressing the issue of incomplete cleaning and space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a middle spray arm is added to clean articles in the upper rack assembly, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the spray arm occupies large space and interferes with large articles in the lower rack assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidspace occupied by middle spray arm

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spray assembly is divided into multiple independent spray members (upper, middle, lower) that can operate independently. Each spray member has its own nozzle configuration and rotation mechanism, allowing them to clean different zones without interfering with each other or with articles in the rack assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spray members are designed to rotate dynamically during operation. The middle spray arm rotates to direct wash fluid onto articles in the upper rack assembly, and can adjust its position to avoid interfering with large articles in the lower rack assembly. The rotation is driven by fluid flow through the nozzles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If rotating spray arms are used to improve wash fluid coverage, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but uniform distribution of wash fluid across the rectangular wash chamber is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewash fluid coverageVSAvoiduniformity of wash fluid distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each spray member is equipped with nozzles positioned and oriented to direct wash fluid at specific locations and angles. The upper spray member directs fluid toward the upper rack assembly, the middle spray member targets the middle zone, and the lower spray member targets the lower rack assembly. This localized nozzle configuration ensures uniform distribution across the rectangular wash chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spray members rotate periodically during operation, creating a sweeping motion that distributes wash fluid uniformly across different zones of the wash chamber. This periodic rotation ensures that all areas receive adequate coverage over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If multiple spray arms are positioned at different levels, then cleaning of different rack assemblies is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning of multiple rack assembliesVSAvoidnumber of spray members and mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each spray member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate to clean articles in different positions, direct wash fluid at various angles, and adapt its operation based on the presence of articles in the rack assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spray members are self-actuating, using the pressure of wash fluid flowing through their nozzles to drive their own rotation. This eliminates the need for separate motors or actuators for each spray member, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to clean multiple rack assemblies effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures even wash fluid distribution across the wash chamber, preventing interference from large articles and enhancing the perceived capacity of the dishwasher, ensuring effective cleaning and user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

A biasing mechanism is positioned proximate the bracket and the spray member. The biasing mechanism is configured for urging the spray member towards the first position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The spray member rotates in a second rotational direction when wash fluid flows out of the plurality of nozzles.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReaction force: Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentUS9375127B2Spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance and a spray assembly for the same. The spray assembly includes a rotatable spray member, a biasing mechanism for rotating the spray member in a first rotational direction, and a plurality of nozzles mounted to the spray member. The plurality of nozzles is configured for directing wash fluid out of the spray member. The spray member rotates in a second rotational direction when wash fluid flows out of the plurality of nozzles.