Dishwasher Spray Arm Layout With Water-Driven Auxiliary Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers have limitations in efficiently washing objects due to restricted water spray areas and reliance on separate driving devices for spray arm rotation.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a main arm and auxiliary arm that rotate using the driving force of sprayed water, with an auxiliary arm connector controlling water pressure and flow direction, allowing for increased water coverage without a separate motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate driving device (motor) is used to rotate the spray arm, then reliable rotation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm rotates automatically using the kinetic energy from the sprayed water itself, without requiring an external motor or driving device. The water jet creates reaction force that drives the rotation, making the system self-powered and eliminating complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by employing water pressure and flow dynamics to drive the rotation mechanism. The water jet impinging on the spray arm creates rotational motion through fluid dynamics, replacing traditional mechanical drive systems.
2Productivity
If water spray area is expanded to improve washing efficiency, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but water pressure control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow is divided into multiple streams through separate flow paths (first flow path and second flow path) that guide water to different spray locations. This segmentation allows each spray zone to be optimized independently for both coverage area and pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary flow path guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the main arm and auxiliary arm. This guide controls water pressure and directs the second water flow, mediating between the water source and the spray nozzles to achieve balanced pressure distribution across the expanded spray area.
3Area of stationary object
If auxiliary arm is added to increase spray coverage, then water spray area expands, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary arm is integrated with the main arm through a coupled connection where the auxiliary arm rotates about a second axis while being mechanically linked to the main arm structure. This merging allows the auxiliary arm to be controlled through the existing main arm rotation, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The main arm serves multiple functions: it rotates about a first axis to provide primary spray coverage, simultaneously guides water through multiple flow paths, and controls the auxiliary arm rotation about a second axis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
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 by expanding the water spray area and allowing the spray arms to rotate using the water's driving force, improving cleaning effectiveness without the need for additional mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
a spray arm that is configured to rotate using a driving force of sprayed water
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary flow path guide that is configured to (i) guide the second water from the main arm to the auxiliary arm and (ii) control water pressure of the second water
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher that includes: a tub configured to accommodate an object; a main arm that is configured to (i) rotate about a first axis inside the tub, (ii) guide first water of the incoming water through a first flow path and second water of the incoming water through a second flow path, and (iii) spray the first water to the object; an auxiliary arm that is configured to (i) rotate about a second axis inside the tub and (ii) spray the second water to the object; and an auxiliary arm connector that couples the main arm to the auxiliary arm and that is rotatable with the auxiliary arm, the auxiliary arm connector including: an auxiliary flow path guide that is configured to (i) guide the second water from the main arm to the auxiliary arm and (ii) control water pressure of the second water is disclosed.