Dishwasher Water Flow Controller With Pressure-Responsive Noise Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Noise generation during water supply in dishwashers is a persistent issue due to the structure of the water flow path and controller, affecting appliance performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for water flow featuring a flow rate controller with a design that includes an inlet, discharge unit, chamber, valve, and elastic body to manage water pressure and flow, minimizing noise by adjusting the sectional area of the discharge unit based on water pressure, and incorporating a second support unit to reduce vibration and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional water flow controller is used to supply water to the sump, then water supply function is achieved, but noise is generated during water supply
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow controller is divided into multiple functional components: a valve body, a valve core, a spring, and support units. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (flow control, sealing, pressure compensation, vibration reduction) independently, thereby reducing noise while maintaining reliable water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the valve core and the valve body, providing pressure compensation and reducing water hammer effects. The support units serve as intermediaries to reduce vibrations of the valve core, thereby attenuating noise while ensuring consistent water supply.
2Speed
If water pressure from the water supply source is high, then water supply speed is fast, but noise increases and water amount becomes uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The spring constant and pre-compression force are specifically designed to counterbalance high water pressure. When water pressure increases, the spring compresses more, reducing the opening of the valve core and maintaining controlled water flow speed while reducing noise through gradual pressure equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides beforehand cushioning by pre-compressing to counteract high water pressure before water flow begins. This cushioning effect prevents sudden water hammer and reduces noise by gradually equalizing pressure differences during water supply.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a simple valve structure is used for water flow control, then device complexity is low, but vibration and noise cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acts as a flexible element that absorbs vibrations and dampens noise without requiring complex rigid structures. This flexible approach effectively reduces vibration and noise while adding minimal structural complexity to the valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support units are specifically designed to reduce mechanical vibrations of the valve core by providing stable mounting and damping. This targeted approach to vibration reduction effectively lowers noise without requiring a complete redesign of the entire controller structure.
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 solution effectively attenuates noise during water supply, ensuring a consistent water amount is delivered to the sump regardless of water pressure, enhancing the operational quietness and efficiency of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body fixed to the second body
Implementation Method 2
selectively supporting the elastic body in accordance with a water pressure
Implementation Method 3
a first support unit protruded from the first body to the elastic body, supporting the elastic body and forming a space between the elastic body and the first body to enter water the first through hole; and a second support unit protruded from the first body to the elastic body, selectively supporting the elastic body in accordance with a water pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for a water flow is disclosed, which comprises an inlet connected to a water supply source; a discharge unit connected to a space where water is stored; a chamber for communicating the inlet with the discharge unit through a first communication unit connected to the inlet and a second communication unit connected to the discharge unit; a valve opening or closing the second communication unit; a first body fixed to any one of the inside of the inlet and the inside of the discharge unit; a first through hole provided to pass through the first body, forming a water flow; a second body fixed to the first body and located inside the first through hole; an elastic body fixed to the second body; a first support unit protruded from the first body to the elastic body, supporting the elastic body and forming a space between the elastic body and the first body to enter water the first through hole; and a second support unit protruded from the first body to the elastic body, selectively supporting the elastic body in accordance with a water pressure.