Variable Diverter Valve Disk for Dishwasher Spray Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diverters in dishwashers lack versatility in controlling fluid flow to multiple spray assemblies, leading to increased cycle times and poor user perception, while also failing to optimize water usage according to government regulations.
Innovation Solution
A variable position diverter system that includes a housing with multiple outlet ports and a rotatable valve disk with apertures of varying cross-sectional areas, allowing for selective alignment of apertures with outlet ports to control fluid flow to various spray assemblies, thereby improving wash performance and reducing cycle time while meeting water usage regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional diverter is used to control fluid flow to spray assemblies, then water usage can be regulated to meet government requirements, but the diverter lacks versatility in providing different flow combinations which increases cycle time and reduces wash performance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disk is made rotatable with multiple selectable angular positions, transforming a static diverter into a dynamic one. The positioning assembly enables the valve disk to rotate between different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, etc.), allowing dynamic selection of flow paths and combinations during the washing cycle, thereby providing versatility without increasing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve disk is segmented with multiple apertures (first aperture, second aperture, third aperture, fourth aperture) positioned at different angular locations. Each aperture can be independently aligned with different outlet ports (first outlet port, second outlet port, third outlet port, fourth outlet port) based on the angular position, enabling segmented control of fluid flow to different spray assemblies.
2Quantity of substance
If a conventional diverter runs only one spray assembly at a time to meet water usage regulations, then water consumption is reduced, but the total cycle time must increase to maintain wash performance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disk with multiple apertures and the positioning assembly enable a single diverter system to perform multiple functions by selecting different angular positions. The system can provide various flow combinations (single spray assembly, multiple spray assemblies, or different flow rates) from one unified structure, allowing flexible water distribution that maintains washing efficiency while meeting water usage requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a motor is used to rotate the diverter valve between different ports, then fluid flow control is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is designed to rotate the valve disk through hydraulic or mechanical self-actuation rather than requiring an external motor. The system uses the existing fluid pressure or mechanical linkage to automatically position the valve disk at the required angular positions, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional powered components.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid pressure source and the valve disk. Instead of directly using a motor to rotate the valve, the positioning assembly translates fluid pressure or mechanical input into precise angular positioning of the valve disk, simplifying the overall control mechanism.
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 variable position diverter system enhances wash performance, reduces cycle time, and provides versatile fluid flow combinations, improving user satisfaction while adhering to water usage regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the plurality of apertures with one or more of the plurality of outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through a plurality of spray assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a plurality of outlet ports and a valve disk having a plurality of apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the plurality of apertures with one or more of the plurality of outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through a plurality of spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.