Dual Spray Arm Assembly for Corner Coverage in Dishwashers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dishwasher spray arm assemblies with circular geometry fail to effectively reach corners of square or rectangular wash chambers, leading to inadequate cleaning and inefficient energy and water usage due to limited spray coverage and lack of versatility in operation.

Innovation Solution

A spray arm system comprising an elongated spray arm that pivots within a horizontal plane and an orbital spray arm that rotates about a central axis, both of which can be operated independently or simultaneously, providing improved coverage and efficiency by directing wash fluid in various directions and patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If circular spray arm geometry is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but spray coverage in corner areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray arm geometryVSAvoidspray coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spray arm geometry transitions from a conventional circular symmetric design to an asymmetric configuration that specifically targets corner areas. The spray arm extends preferentially toward corners with adjusted spray angles and positions, creating an asymmetric spray pattern that covers previously unreachable areas while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components arranged asymmetrically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces multi-dimensional spray coverage by positioning spray jets at various angles and heights along the spray arm. Instead of a single-plane circular spray pattern, the system utilizes three-dimensional spray trajectories that extend toward corners and along wall surfaces, adding vertical and angular dimensions to the traditionally two-dimensional circular spray pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple spray arms operate simultaneously at high flow rates, then cleaning coverage is improved, but energy and water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidenergy and water consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spray arm system incorporates variable speed control and adjustable spray patterns that allow dynamic adaptation to different cleaning scenarios. The spray arms can operate at varying speeds and flow rates depending on the soiling level and article type, enabling high-intensity cleaning when needed while conserving water and energy during maintenance cycles or for lightly soiled items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes adjustable parameters including spray pressure, flow rate, and spray arm rotation speed that can be optimized for different cleaning requirements. By changing these parameters rather than operating at constant high settings, the system achieves effective cleaning coverage while reducing overall water and energy consumption through parameter optimization rather than maximum intensity operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If spray jets emit fluid in constant direction during rotation, then spray arm simplicity is maintained, but spray coverage predictability and corner reach deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray arm mechanismVSAvoidspray coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spray arm is divided into multiple spray jet segments positioned at different locations along its length, each emitting fluid in different directions. This segmentation allows different portions of the spray arm to target specific zones (corners, walls, center areas) independently, achieving comprehensive corner coverage without requiring complex individual control of each jet while maintaining relatively simple overall mechanism design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system achieves enhanced cleaning performance with reduced water and energy usage by ensuring thorough coverage of wash fluid across the wash chamber, including corners, and allows for versatile operation modes to optimize cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an orbital spray arm defining a plurality of orifices for directing wash fluid onto articles in the wash chamber. The orbital spray arm is positioned near the second bottom corner and is rotatable about a central axis of the orbital spray arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The elongated spray arm pivots about one corner within a horizontal plane and the orbital spray arm rotates about a central axis near the opposite corner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10292564B2Spray arm assemblies for dishwasher appliances

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A spray arm system for cleaning articles in the wash chamber of a dishwasher appliance is provided. The spray arm system includes an elongated spray arm and an orbital spray arm positioned near opposite, bottom corners of the wash chamber. The elongated spray arm pivots about one corner within a horizontal plane and the orbital spray arm rotates about a central axis near the opposite corner. The elongated spray arm may be motor-driven, the orbital spray arm may be fluid-powered, and the spray arms may be operated independently or at the same time.