Dishwasher Vane and Rail Assembly for Uniform Water Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers with rotating spray nozzles often create dead zones where washing water is not effectively sprayed, while linear-type injection structures with fixed nozzles can lead to increased pressure loss and localized washing, failing to uniformly cover all regions of the washing tub.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design incorporating a rotational vane that moves within the washing tub to redirect washing water from fixed nozzles, ensuring uniform coverage by being rotationally coupled to a rail assembly that guides its movement and fixes its direction, preventing dead zones and improving water distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If rotating spray nozzles are used, then the washing water can be sprayed to a wide area, but dead zones where washing water is not sprayed may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiduniformity of washing water distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotational vane that moves between rotated and non-rotated positions to dynamically control water spray direction. When rotated, the vane directs water to side regions; when non-rotated, it allows central coverage. This dynamic adjustment eliminates dead zones while maintaining wide coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The washing tub is divided into multiple spray zones: a central region covered when the vane is non-rotated and side regions covered when the vane is rotated. The fixed nozzles are positioned to target different areas, and the vane segments the water flow to direct it to specific zones, ensuring complete coverage without dead spots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If fixed nozzles are used in linear-type injection structure, then dead zones can be prevented, but pressure loss of washing water increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of washing water distributionVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotational function from the nozzles themselves and places it in a separate vane component. The fixed nozzles maintain simple, direct water pathways with minimal pressure loss, while the vane is rotated by a separate driving device (motor and belt system) rather than relying on water pressure for rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The vane acts as an intermediary between the fixed nozzles and the dishes. It receives water from the nozzles and redirects it to side regions, allowing the nozzles to remain fixed with simple water pathways while still achieving wide coverage through the vane's redirection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the outlet of distribution device faces upward for fixed nozzles, then the channel can be short, but pressure loss increases due to bent channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel lengthVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device outlet is positioned and oriented specifically for fixed nozzles, with the channel configured to deliver water directly to the nozzles with minimal bending. The local geometry of the channel is optimized for this specific nozzle arrangement, reducing pressure loss despite the fixed nozzle configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 rotational vane system allows for controlled direction of washing water, ensuring stable and uniform spraying across all areas of the washing tub, enhancing washing efficiency and preventing dead zones.

Implementation Method 1

a vane (400) configured to reflect the washing water sprayed via the fixed nozzle toward dishes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a rail assembly (430) configured to guide the movement of the vane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Data Source

PatentEP3090676B1Dish washer
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3090676B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP3090676B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP3090676B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a dishwasher having a structure improved to enhance the efficiency of washing. The dishwasher includes a main body, a washing tub provided in the main body, a door configured to close or open an open side of the washing tub, a fixed nozzle fixed on another side of the washing tub and configured to spray washing water, a vane configured to reflect the washing water sprayed via the fixed nozzle toward dishes while being moved within the washing tub, and a rail assembly configured to guide the movement of the vane. The vane is rotationally coupled to the rail assembly to change a direction of movement of the washing water sprayed via the fixed nozzle.