Dishwasher Sprinkler Ducting for Corner Water Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dish-washing machines with complex and costly sprinkler systems are inefficient in reaching all areas of the washtub, particularly the corners, due to the complexity and high cost of the stationary sprinkler configurations.
Innovation Solution
A dish-washing machine with a compact and inexpensive sprinkler system that includes a stationary sprinkler mounted within the washtub, connected to a ducting system allowing for efficient water distribution to both lower and upper racks, using a single-piece plastic canalization with distinct sections for each sprinkler, and a valve device for selective water supply, ensuring effective coverage of hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a complex stationary sprinkler system with manifold and multiple valves is used, then water distribution coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manifold and multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with multiple outlets. This single component performs the functions of distributing water to multiple sprinklers while maintaining selective control, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving water distribution coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a manifold for water distribution, contains multiple valves for selective control, and provides mounting points for multiple sprinklers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manifold and valve components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a complex stationary sprinkler system with manifold and multiple valves is used, then water distribution coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the manifold and multiple valves into a single molded valve body, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and associated costs. The integrated design allows for simpler production processes while maintaining the same water distribution coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If rotary sprinklers are used, then water distribution to multiple areas is achieved, but hard-to-reach areas like corners are not effectively covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water distribution system into multiple stationary sprinkler positions, each strategically located to cover specific areas including corners. This segmentation allows targeted coverage of hard-to-reach areas that a single rotary sprinkler cannot effectively reach.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single rotating sprinkler that moves coverage area over time, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple stationary sprinklers that simultaneously cover different areas including corners. This provides more reliable and consistent coverage of all areas including hard-to-reach corners.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and efficient sprinkler system that effectively reaches all areas of the washtub, including corners, by using a stationary sprinkler connected to a ducting system, enhancing washing performance without the complexity and expense of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a sprinkler system, which includes a first rotary sprinkler and a second rotary sprinkler... connected to a ducting system allowing for efficient water distribution
Implementation Method 2
a valve device for selective water supply
Data Source
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AI summary
A dish-washing machine has a washtub, in which there can be housed at least one lower lower dish rack and one upper dish rack, and a sprinkler system, which comprises a lower sprinkler device configured for spraying water upwards, towards the lower rack, and at least one of an intermediate sprinkler device, configured for spraying water upwards, towards the upper rack, and an upper sprinkler device, configured for spraying water downwards, towards the lower rack. The lower sprinkler device and the at least one of the intermediate sprinkler device and the upper sprinkler device comprise respective rotary sprinklers, the at least one of the intermediate sprinkler device and the upper sprinkler device being supplied via a canalization having at least one first portion (12a) and one second portion (12b), and possibly one third portion, which extend substantially at a lower wall, a rear wall and an upper wall of the tub, respectively. The sprinkler system comprises at least one further stationary sprinkler device (13) within the tub, configured for spraying water towards one of the lower rack and the upper rack, in fluid communication with a duct (14, 15) of the canalization (12). The further stationary sprinkler device (13) has a hollow body (25) that is connected in constant fluid communication with said duct (15) of the canalization. At least one of the further stationary sprinkler device (13) and said duct (15) of the canalization (12) has deflector means (35) in a fixed position, for deflecting part of the flow of liquid that flows in said duct (15) towards the inside of the further stationary sprinkler device (13), i.e., towards an inlet (33) of the hollow body (25) and a corresponding outlet (34) of said duct (15) which are in fluid communication with one another.