Diverter Valve Position Sensing for Precise Dishwasher Spray Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automatic dishwashing appliances face challenges in efficiently directing liquid flow to multiple sprayers due to the lack of precise control in diverter valves, leading to potential misalignment and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A diverter valve with a membrane and position sensor system, where the membrane has through openings that align with multiple outlets, and a sensor detects indicia on the membrane to accurately determine the aligned outlet, ensuring precise fluid distribution to the intended sprayer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional rotary disk diverter valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of fluid distribution deteriorate due to misalignment and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotary disk diverter valve with a membrane-based system actuated by a linear motor. The membrane with through-opening provides precise fluid distribution without the mechanical complexity and alignment issues of rotary disks. The linear motor provides precise positional control of the membrane, eliminating misalignment and leakage problems while maintaining simplified device structure.
2Device complexity
If a traditional rotary disk diverter valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fluid distribution deteriorates due to potential misalignment and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotary disk diverter valve with a membrane-based system actuated by a linear motor. The membrane with through-opening provides precise fluid distribution without the mechanical complexity and alignment issues of rotary disks. The linear motor provides precise positional control of the membrane, eliminating misalignment and leakage problems while maintaining simplified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a position sensor that provides feedback on the membrane position to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures the membrane is accurately positioned to align the through-opening with the intended outlet, preventing misalignment and leakage. The feedback system enhances reliability by continuously monitoring and correcting the membrane position, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If position sensor indicia are added to the membrane, then the measurement precision of membrane position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses indicia (visual markers) on the membrane that can be detected by a position sensor. These indicia provide precise positional information about the membrane location without requiring complex sensing electronics. The simple visual markers combined with a basic position sensor achieve accurate membrane position detection while keeping the overall device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane itself carries the position information through the indicia printed or attached to it. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate, complex positioning mechanisms or external reference systems. The membrane provides its own positional identification, simplifying the overall sensing system while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A dish treating appliance for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation and including a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment according to the automatic cycle of operation, multiple sprayers emitting a liquid into the treating chamber, and a diverter valve having a manifold defining a plenum with an inlet and multiple outlets and a membrane movably mounted within the plenum and having at least one through opening, which is sequentially aligned with the multiple outlets upon movement of the membrane.