Dishwashing appliance having a multi-zone spray assembly to alternate the spray of wash fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in maintaining high pressure spray across an extended area while complying with water usage regulations, and in ensuring uniform coverage of the wash chamber, particularly due to the mismatch between rotating spray arms and the rectangular or square cross-section of the wash chamber.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone spray assembly with a manifold body and a cammed diverter valve is introduced, allowing the valve to move between positions to direct wash fluid to specific spray zones, ensuring high pressure is maintained across the wash chamber with minimal water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If large volumes of water are sprayed to maintain high pressure across an extended area, then adequate washing pressure is ensured, but water consumption increases violating modern regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The spray assembly is divided into multiple independently controllable spray zones (first spray zone, second spray zone, etc.) with separate spray outlets. The cammed diverter valve segments the water flow to direct it to specific zones sequentially rather than spraying all zones simultaneously, maintaining high pressure in the active zone while reducing overall water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cammed diverter valve implements periodic action by sequentially directing water flow to different spray zones in a cyclic manner. As the valve rotates, it alternates between directing flow to the first spray zone, second spray zone, and other zones, ensuring each zone receives high-pressure spray at regular intervals while the entire wash chamber receives comprehensive coverage over time.
2Area of stationary object
If rotating spray arms are used to cover extended areas, then coverage is provided, but uniform coverage of rectangular or square wash chambers is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The wash chamber coverage area is segmented into multiple discrete spray zones with spray outlets positioned at specific locations and angles. This segmentation allows each zone to target specific areas of the wash chamber, ensuring uniform coverage across the rectangular or square geometry rather than relying on a single rotating arm that creates circular patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spray zones are configured with specific outlet orientations and positions tailored to their local coverage requirements. The cammed diverter valve directs water to specific zones based on which areas need cleaning at that moment, providing locally optimized spray patterns that match the rectangular/square wash chamber geometry rather than a uniform circular pattern.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple spray zones are provided to ensure uniform coverage, then comprehensive washing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cammed diverter valve serves multiple functions: it segments water flow to different zones, controls the timing and duration of spray in each zone, and can be integrated with the rotating rack assembly to synchronize spray timing with rack position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each spray zone, thereby managing device complexity while achieving uniform coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing operational parameters rather than adding physical components. The cammed diverter valve alters the temporal and spatial parameters of water flow distribution, switching between spray zones based on rotational position and cycle timing, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage through parameter modulation rather than through complex mechanical additions.
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 maintains high pressure across the wash chamber, ensuring thorough cleaning while reducing water consumption, and ensures uniform coverage by selectively directing wash fluid to different areas of the chamber.
Implementation Method 1
The cammed diverter valve may be movable between a first zone position and a second zone position. The first zone position may direct wash fluid to the first spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the second spray zone. The second zone position may direct wash fluid to the second spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the first spray zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing appliance and a spray assembly, as provided herein, may include a manifold body, and a cammed diverter valve. The manifold body may be mountable within a wash chamber. The manifold body may define a fluid inlet, a first spray zone, and a second spray zone. The first spray zone may include a first spray outlet. The second spray zone may include a second spray outlet spaced apart from the first spray outlet. The cammed diverter valve may be mounted within the manifold body and be movable between a first zone position and a second zone position. The first zone position may direct wash fluid to the first spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the second spray zone. The second zone position may direct wash fluid to the second spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the first spray zone.