Selectable Spray Arm Positioning for Flexible Dishwasher Wash Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern dishwashers with dedicated wash zones are complex and expensive, making it difficult to pack large or complex items while ensuring intense washing, and there is a need for a flexible and cost-effective solution to create a wash zone with selectable position within the washing chamber.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher arrangement featuring a rotatable water spray arm, a support element that locks the spray arm in multiple positions, a control unit, and a user interface to select the wash zone position, allowing for adaptable intense washing based on user selection, without adding unnecessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If additional nozzles or dedicated spray arms are added to create a wash zone, then water flow intensity in the wash zone is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is made rotatable and positionable at different locations around the washing chamber rather than being fixed. This dynamic positioning capability allows a single spray arm to serve multiple functions by directing water flow to different areas, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated spray arms or nozzles while maintaining high water flow intensity where needed
Solution Approach 2:
A single spray arm is designed to perform multiple functions by being positioned at different locations. The same spray arm can serve as a wash zone intensifier when positioned in certain areas, or provide general washing coverage when positioned elsewhere, replacing the need for separate dedicated components for different washing functions
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated wash zone is provided, then intense washing is improved for specific items, but flexibility in packing diverse items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wash zone is made dynamic and reconfigurable through the rotatable spray arm that can be positioned at different locations based on the user's needs. This allows the intense washing capability to be moved to different areas of the washing chamber, adapting to various packing configurations and item types rather than being fixed in one location
Solution Approach 2:
The washing chamber is effectively divided into multiple potential wash zones through the ability to position the spray arm at different locations. Each position creates a focused intensification area, allowing users to segment the washing intensity to match the specific needs of different item groups within the same washing cycle
3Reliability
If multiple components are added for wash zone creation, then washing effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-functional spray arm replaces multiple dedicated components, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process. The same component can be produced in large quantities as a standard part, reducing tooling costs and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to provide effective wash zone intensification when positioned appropriately
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of multiple dedicated spray arms or nozzles are merged into a single rotatable spray arm. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, while the rotational capability ensures that the merged component can still provide focused intense washing when needed
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 provides flexible and efficient intense washing where needed, reducing energy and water consumption by allowing users to select wash zones based on item placement, enabling easier packing of diverse items and optimizing resource use.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating spray arm is furthermore provided with one or more nozzles arranged in the outer ends of the spray arm and directed sideways to generate the force required to rotate the spray arm around an axis A in the dishing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a support element arranged to support the spray arm in the washing chamber, said support element is able to lock the spray arm in at least two different positions within the washing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an arrangement for a dishwasher for creating a wash zone with a selectable position within a washing chamber of the dishwasher. The arrangement may include a water spray arm rotatably arranged around an axis in the washing chamber, and a support element arranged to support the spray arm in the washing chamber. The support element may lock the spray arm in at least one position within the washing chamber. The arrangement may include a control unit arranged to control the operation of the dishwasher and a user interface for selecting the desired wash zone position within the washing chamber, and arranged to communicate the information to the control unit. The control unit may lock the support element in the selected position to create the wash zone. A dishwasher that includes the arrangement and a method for creating a wash zone with a selectable position are provided.