Dishwasher Tower Nozzle Layout for Flexible Rack Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashing machines have restricted rack lengths and shapes due to the placement of water supply channels, limiting the effective washing space and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The dishwashing machine incorporates a tower nozzle and connection unit that can move between a lower arm and the tub, allowing for adjustable water supply to either the lower arm or the tower nozzle based on water pressure, enabling efficient washing of both upper and lower racks with improved space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the second channel P2 is disposed at the inner circumference of the tub 210 to supply wash water to the upper arm 250, then wash water can be supplied to the upper rack 220, but the length and shape of the racks 220 and 230 are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply capabilityVSAvoidrack length and shape flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the water supply function from the fixed inner circumference position by introducing a movable tower connection unit that can be relocated. The tower connection unit is detached from the lower arm and positioned at the tower nozzle, allowing water supply without restricting rack dimensions. This separates the water supply function from the constrained spatial location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tower connection unit serves as an intermediary between the water supply system and the tower nozzle. It includes a guide that directs the connection unit from the lower arm to the tower nozzle, enabling flexible water supply positioning without directly constraining the racks. The intermediary structure mediates between the fixed pump and the variable rack positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the upper arm 250 is disposed between the upper rack 220 and the lower rack 230 to wash objects, then the upper rack 220 can be cleaned, but a space is provided that restricts the effective washing space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupper rack washing capabilityVSAvoideffective washing space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the upper rack washing function from the upper arm 250 and relocates it to the tower nozzle. The tower nozzle is positioned to extend through the lower rack without occupying the intermediate space, thereby eliminating the spatial restriction while maintaining the washing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the tower nozzle vertically through the lower rack rather than horizontally between racks. This dimensional repositioning allows the upper rack to be washed without occupying the intermediate space, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the spatial conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a tower connection unit is configured to move from the lower arm to the tower nozzle, then water supply flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply position flexibilityVSAvoidconnection unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tower connection unit utilizes water pressure itself to drive its movement from the lower arm to the tower nozzle. The connection unit is moved based on water pressure, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex mechanical drive systems. The system uses its own operating medium (water pressure) to perform the positioning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs hydraulic principles by using water pressure to move the tower connection unit to its operational position. The connection unit is moved from the lower arm to the tower nozzle based on water pressure, converting the hydraulic force directly into positional adjustment without requiring additional mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 washing efficiency and prevents water leakage, allowing for effective cleaning of both upper and lower racks while optimizing the use of the tub space.

Implementation Method 1

The tower connection unit is moved from the lower arm to the tower nozzle based on water pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a tower nozzle fixed to the rack fixing unit and configured to spray wash water to the upper rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

a lower arm disposed at a lower side of the lower rack and configured to spray wash water to the lower rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS9173541B2Dishwashing machine
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US9173541B2 patent drawing
  • US9173541B2 patent drawing
  • US9173541B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dishwashing machine includes a lower arm disposed at a lower side of a lower rack to spray wash water to the lower rack, a rack fixing unit provided at the lower rack, and a tower nozzle fixed to the rack fixing unit to spray wash water to an upper rack. The dishwashing machine also includes a tower connection unit provided in the lower arm such that at least a portion of the tower connection unit is configured to move from the lower arm. The tower connection unit being connected to the tower nozzle to supply wash water to the tower nozzle based on the tower connection unit moving from the lower arm. The rack fixing unit includes a guide configured to guide movement of the tower connection unit withdrawn from the lower arm to the tower nozzle.