Dishwasher with spray system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers with rotatable spray arms lack efficient control over spray pressure and pattern distribution, leading to suboptimal cleaning effectiveness and water usage.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable spray arm with a slidable valve body and actuator system that selectively couples different subsets of outlets to the liquid passage, allowing for varying spray pressures and patterns by aligning multiple openings with either a first or second subset of outlets, which have distinct radial spans and cross-sectional areas, enabling greater pressure and speed in one subset compared to another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotatable spray arm with multiple outlets is used, then spray coverage area is improved, but spray pressure and speed are reduced due to distributed flow
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm outlets are divided into multiple subsets (first subset, second subset, etc.) that can be selectively activated. The slidable plate divides the liquid passage into separate flow paths, allowing independent control of different outlet groups. This segmentation enables concentrated flow to specific zones, maintaining high pressure while providing comprehensive coverage through sequential or selective activation of different outlet subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable plate is movable between different positions, dynamically reconfiguring which outlet subsets receive liquid flow. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between different spray patterns and pressure distributions based on operational requirements, optimizing both coverage area and spray pressure at different times during the washing cycle.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple outlet subsets are activated simultaneously, then spray coverage is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable plate can move between positions to activate different outlet subsets at different times, creating a periodic action pattern. Instead of all outlets operating continuously, the system cycles through different outlet groups, achieving comprehensive coverage over time while reducing instantaneous and total water consumption. This periodic activation of different subsets maintains cleaning effectiveness with reduced water usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spray outlets are distributed across different radial distances, then spray pattern versatility is improved, but control over spray pressure distribution becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable plate acts as an intermediary control element between the liquid supply and the distributed outlets. By positioning the plate at a central location where it can selectively block or open flow paths to different outlet subsets, the system simplifies control complexity. The plate mediates the distribution of liquid pressure and flow to various radial outlets, enabling versatile spray patterns without requiring complex individual control mechanisms for each outlet.
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 enhances cleaning efficiency by providing focused high-pressure sprays for soil removal and wide-angle diffused sprays for chemistry distribution, reducing water consumption and allowing for zonal washing with potential energy and cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
The slidable plate may be slidably mounted within the interior of the body of the sprayer for slidable movement between at least two positions. The valve body may comprise a slidable plate having multiple openings that align with the first and second subset of outlets in the corresponding at least two positions.
Implementation Method 2
The first subset of the plurality of outlets may have less cumulative cross-sectional area than the second subset of the plurality of outlets to provide for liquid being emitted from at least one of the outlets of the first subset at least one of a greater pressure and a greater speed than from at least one of the outlets of the second subset.
Implementation Method 3
The body may comprise an arm rotating about an axis of rotation and the first subset span a different radial amount of the arm relative to the axis of rotation than the second subset. The second subset may span a greater radial distance along the arm than the first subset.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher (10) includes a tub (18) at least partially defining a treating chamber (20) and a spraying system (28) for supplying liquid to the treating chamber (20). The spraying system (28) includes a sprayer (34) having a body with an interior (58), a liquid passage (59) provided in the interior (58), and a plurality of outlets (60) extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage (59).