Disk Diverter Assembly for Dishwasher Multi-Spray Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwasher appliances face space restrictions in the sump that limit the number of spray assemblies that can be supported by the primary diverter, necessitating additional pumps, fluid supply conduits, or complex diverter assemblies to provide wash fluid to all spray assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A disk diverter assembly is introduced, operably coupled to a primary supply conduit, which includes a diverter disk and positioning assembly to selectively divert wash fluid between a middle spray assembly and an upper spray assembly, allowing for point source diversion and overcoming space limitations within the sump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the primary diverter is positioned within the sump to control fluid flow, then the fluid distribution is simplified, but the number of spray assemblies that can be supported is limited due to space restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the diverter assembly from the constrained sump area to the wash chamber, utilizing three-dimensional space in a different location. The diverter housing is positioned to engage with the bottom surface of the wash chamber, creating a new spatial arrangement that accommodates multiple spray assemblies without increasing sump complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter assembly is segmented into a housing portion and a diverter disk portion that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the system to selectively direct fluid to different spray assemblies (first, second, third, and fourth spray assemblies) through rotational positioning, increasing versatility without adding overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pumps and fluid supply conduits are added to support more spray assemblies, then the number of supported spray assemblies increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single diverter assembly with a rotatable diverter disk serves multiple functions by selectively directing fluid to different spray assemblies. The diverter disk can be positioned to supply fluid to the first spray assembly, second spray assembly, third spray assembly, or fourth spray assembly, making one component perform the work of multiple dedicated supply systems
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluid supply functions are merged into a single diverter housing and diverter disk assembly. Instead of having separate pumps and conduits for each spray assembly, the patent combines all fluid distribution control into one integrated mechanism that rotates to serve different assemblies
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 disk diverter assembly enables efficient distribution of wash fluid to multiple spray assemblies, increasing the number of dedicated flows without the need for additional supply conduits, thereby enhancing the fluid distribution system's capability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A diverter disk is positioned within the diverter housing and is rotatable about the axial direction, the diverter disk defining an aperture and a partial flange that extends along the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
A positioning assembly is operably coupled to the diverter disk for rotating the diverter disk between i) a first position where the aperture opens the first fluid outlet and the partial flange blocks the second fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance is provided having a disk diverter assembly operably coupled to a primary supply conduit for selectively diverting a flow of wash fluid between a middle spray assembly and an upper spray assembly. The disk diverter assembly includes a diverter disk positioned within a diverter housing defining a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with the middle spray assembly, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the upper spray assembly. The diverter disk defines an aperture and a partial flange that extends along an axial direction. A positioning assembly selectively rotates the diverter disk between a first position where wash fluid is directed only through the first fluid outlet to the middle spray assembly and a second position where wash fluid is directed only through the second fluid outlet to the upper spray assembly.