Dishwasher Vane Assembly for Selective Zone Washing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashing machines lack the ability to selectively choose washing zones and adjust washing courses for different regions, leading to inefficient washing processes.

Innovation Solution

A dishwashing machine with a tub, a nozzle assembly, a vane assembly that changes the direction of the water spray, and a user interface that allows users to select and control specific washing zones and methods, enabling linear movement and speed control of the vane assembly to target specific areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary spray unit is used to spray washing water while rotating, then the washing machine can cover a larger area, but the region to be washed cannot be freely selected and different washing courses for each region cannot be selected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing zone selection flexibilityVSAvoidspray system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine divides the washing tub into multiple selectable washing zones (e.g., left, right, center regions) and allows users to select specific zones for washing. The spray system is segmented into multiple nozzle assemblies that can be independently controlled to target different zones, enabling flexible zone selection without requiring a complex rotary mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a linearly movable vane assembly that can dynamically adjust its position along the diameter of the washing tub to change the spray direction and target different washing zones. This dynamic linear movement replaces the rotary motion, providing flexibility in zone selection while maintaining a simpler structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If washing is performed on the entire tub, then all tableware is washed, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing speedVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows users to select only the necessary washing zones based on the actual loading distribution of tableware. If tableware is concentrated in a specific region, users can select only that region for washing, performing partial washing action rather than washing the entire tub, thereby reducing washing time while still achieving effective cleaning of the loaded areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The spray system applies washing water locally to selected zones rather than uniformly across the entire tub. The movable vane assembly directs spray focus to specific regions, providing concentrated washing action where needed and reducing unnecessary washing in empty or lightly loaded areas, thus improving washing efficiency and reducing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a linearly movable vane assembly is used to change spray direction, then specific washing zones can be targeted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing zone selection capabilityVSAvoidvane assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the direction-changing function from a complex rotary mechanism and implements it through a simpler linearly movable vane assembly. The vane assembly only needs to move linearly along the diameter to achieve direction change, removing the complexity of rotary joints and angular positioning mechanisms while maintaining the capability to target different washing zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a potentially complex rotary mechanical system with a linear movement system. The vane assembly uses straightforward linear translation along a guide rail or track, which is mechanically simpler than rotary mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving the same adaptability in targeting different washing zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improves washing efficiency by allowing users to freely select washing zones and methods, reducing washing time and enhancing convenience.

Implementation Method 1

A dishwashing machine is a machine for washing tableware by spraying the tableware with washing water at a high pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh pressure spray: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a vane assembly configured to change a traveling direction of the washing water sprayed from the nozzle assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid direction control:

Data Source

PatentEP3058861B1Dishwashing machine and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A dishwashing machine (1) includes a tub (30) accommodating tableware, a nozzle assembly (320) spraying washing water, a vane assembly (400) changing a traveling direction of the washing water sprayed from the nozzle assembly (320) to move linearly inside the tub (30), a user interface (600) for receiving a divided washing zone selected by a user, and a control unit (600) controlling movement of the vane assembly to wash the selected divided zone by the washing water including the changed traveling direction.