Dishwasher Spray Arm Valve for Variable Patterns and Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in cleaning utensils due to limited spray pattern variability and potential liquid leakage, leading to suboptimal cleaning effectiveness and increased water consumption.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher incorporates a rotatable spray arm with a valve body and actuator system that selectively couples different subsets of nozzles to provide varied spray patterns, and uses sealing rings and membranes to ensure precise fluid control and minimize leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable spray arm with selective nozzle coupling is used, then spray pattern variability and cleaning effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is segmented into multiple nozzle subsets that can be independently coupled to the liquid passage. The valve body divides the single liquid passage into multiple selectable outlet passages, allowing different combinations of nozzles to be activated. This segmentation enables varied spray patterns without requiring multiple complete spray arm assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spray arm with fixed nozzle configuration to a dynamic system where the valve body can selectively couple different nozzle subsets based on the rotation position. The actuator mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the spray pattern during operation, adapting to different cleaning requirements.
2Reliability
If sealing rings and membranes are added for precise fluid control, then liquid leakage is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is used within the valve body to control the coupling between the liquid passage and outlet passages. The membrane can deflect under liquid pressure to open or close flow paths, providing precise fluid control while maintaining a compact structure. This flexible element replaces more complex mechanical valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing rings and membrane are designed to be self-actuating through liquid pressure. When liquid flows through the passage, the pressure automatically positions the membrane and sealing elements to open or close outlet passages, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple spray patterns are provided with reduced water usage, then cleaning effectiveness is enhanced, but pump requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Different subsets of nozzles are positioned to target specific areas of the treating chamber, providing localized spray coverage optimized for different cleaning zones. The valve body enables selective activation of nozzles based on the required cleaning area, concentrating water flow where it is most needed rather than distributing it uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between different nozzle subsets as the spray arm rotates and the valve body cycles through different coupling configurations. This periodic reconfiguration allows the same water volume to cover multiple areas sequentially, enhancing overall cleaning effectiveness without increasing water consumption.
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 design enhances cleaning effectiveness by providing multiple spray patterns with reduced water usage, allowing for better coverage and efficiency without increasing liquid consumption, and offers cost and energy savings through smaller pump requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body located within the interior including a membrane having at least one opening
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a sprayer for spraying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage and at least one outlet extending from an interior to an exterior of the sprayer and in fluid communication with the liquid passage. A membrane may have at least one opening and may be in fluid communication with the liquid passage to control the flow of liquid through the at least one outlet.