Rotatable Dishwasher Sprayer With Dual Valves for Uniform Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic dishwashers face inefficiencies in distributing water and cleaning agents uniformly across dishes, leading to suboptimal cleaning results and potential water wastage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotatable spray arm with a dual valve system that adjusts the flow of liquid through multiple spray outlets, allowing for both wide-angle and focused spray patterns, controlled by actuators and gear assemblies to optimize water distribution and cleaning effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional spraying system is used in automatic dishwashers, then the structure is simple, but the water distribution uniformity and cleaning effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is designed to rotate dynamically during operation, transforming a static spray system into a dynamic one. This rotation enables the spray outlets to cover different areas of the treating chamber, significantly improving water distribution uniformity without requiring multiple fixed spray systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system is segmented into multiple spray outlets distributed around the spray arm perimeter. Each outlet contributes to different zones, and the rotating arm segments the treatment process into multiple passes, achieving comprehensive coverage through divided functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple spray outlets are used to improve coverage, then the cleaning effectiveness increases, but the water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm rotates periodically, bringing different spray outlets into position at different times. This periodic action allows the same water supply to serve multiple outlets sequentially, achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage without requiring all outlets to operate simultaneously, thus reducing total water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous rotation of the spray arm ensures that cleaning action is maintained across different areas without interruption. The system maintains continuous useful action by constantly moving the spray outlets through the treating chamber, eliminating dead zones and ensuring efficient water utilization throughout the cycle
3Manufacturing precision
If the spray pressure is increased to improve soil removal, then the cleaning effectiveness improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating spray arm introduces dynamic motion to the spray delivery system. This rotation adds kinetic energy to the water flow through centrifugal forces, enhancing spray penetration and soil removal effectiveness without requiring proportionally higher pump pressure, thus improving cleaning efficiency with moderate energy input
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 ensuring uniform coverage and pressure distribution, reducing water usage while maintaining effective soil removal, thus improving the overall washing performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
multiple spray outlets extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage and configured to emit sprays of liquid into the treating chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first valve body moveable relative to the body and having at least one opening to fluidly couple at least one of the multiple spray outlets to the liquid passage, and a second valve body selectively moveable relative to at least one of the sprayer body or the first valve body to control a flow of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system having a sprayer supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage and multiple spray outlets to emit sprays to wash the dishes, a first valve body to couple at least one of the multiple spray outlets to the liquid passage, and a second valve body to control a flow of liquid.