Rotatable Dishwasher Sprayer With Selective Outlet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack an efficient mechanism to selectively control the spray patterns and liquid flow from rotatable spray arms, leading to suboptimal cleaning and increased water usage.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable sprayer with a slidable valve body and flexible membrane that adjusts positions to fluidly couple different subsets of outlets, allowing for multiple spray patterns and reduced liquid flow, driven by a gear assembly and actuator system, enabling selective emission of spray from the sprayer into the treating chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotatable spray arm is used to spray liquid into the treating chamber, then cleaning coverage is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is divided into multiple outlet nozzles that can be independently controlled. The valve body segments the liquid flow path, allowing selective opening and closing of different outlet groups. This segmentation enables the system to cover the entire treating chamber area over time through rotation while using water efficiently by activating only the necessary outlets at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray arm is designed to rotate dynamically, changing its orientation and active outlet configuration during operation. The valve body can dynamically switch between different outlet subsets, and the rotation mechanism dynamically repositions the spray arm to cover different areas of the treating chamber. This dynamic operation allows comprehensive coverage with reduced water usage compared to static multi-outlet systems.
2Productivity
If multiple outlets are provided on the spray arm for comprehensive coverage, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple outlets are segmented into distinct groups controlled by a single valve body with multiple openings. Instead of requiring individual valves for each outlet, the segmented design allows one valve body to control multiple outlet groups through its multiple openings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability for comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow distribution mechanism, a selection switch for different outlet groups, and a control interface for the spray pattern selection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a valve body with multiple openings is used to control different outlet subsets, then spray pattern versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body incorporates a flexible membrane with openings that can conform to the spray arm's inner surface. This flexible membrane design allows for spray pattern versatility through selective opening configuration while simplifying manufacturing, as flexible membranes can be more easily fabricated and sealed compared to rigid multi-opening valve bodies. The flexibility also allows for easier sealing and installation.
4Reliability
If the flexible membrane conforms to the inner surface of the sprayer to form a liquid seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as both the sealing element and a structural component of the valve body. By conforming to the spray arm's inner surface, it creates reliable liquid seals without requiring additional separate sealing components. This integration of the flexible membrane as both seal and structural element improves reliability while actually reducing device complexity compared to rigid valve bodies requiring separate seals.
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 with multiple spray patterns, reduces water consumption, and allows for better coverage of the treating chamber, while also providing cost and energy savings through reduced pump size and motor usage.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible membrane conforms to a shape of the inner surface of the rotatable sprayer such that the flexible membrane is configured to sealingly abut the inner surface of the sprayer to form a liquid seal between the sprayer and the flexible membrane
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the sprayer acts as an input to the driver system, which in turn drives the membrane relative to the sprayer such that the valve body is moved from a first position to a second position
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.