Flat-Disk Water Diverter for Low-Pressure-Loss Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water diverters in household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, suffer from significant pressure loss and require additional mechanical sealing devices due to their design, which is not suitable for flat rotating disks and leads to inefficiencies in water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A water diverter featuring a turntable with axially aligned through-openings and a Venturi effect, eliminating the need for additional mechanical sealing devices by utilizing the Venturi effect to reduce pressure loss and optimize water flow through the turntable's funnel-shaped inlet areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical sealing device is used in a cylindrical housing, then sealing is achieved, but it is not suitable for sealing through-openings in a flat rotating disk and requires additional mechanical sealing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unnecessary mechanical sealing device from the system. By using a flat rotating disk design where the through-opening is sealed by the disk edge itself against the discharge line, the complex mechanical sealing components (sealing rings, springs, adjustment mechanisms) are completely eliminated, reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a cylindrical housing with mechanical sealing components as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by using a flat rotating disk where the sealing is achieved through the disk's geometric configuration - the edge of the through-opening directly interfaces with the discharge line, eliminating the need for separate sealing devices
2Ease of operation
If water flow is deflected by a swivel pipe or rotary valve, then water distribution is achieved, but significant pressure loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent aligns the through-opening in the flat rotating disk with the discharge lines in the axial direction, creating a straight flow path without deflection. This equipotential alignment eliminates unnecessary flow direction changes, maintaining water pressure while achieving effective water distribution to different discharge lines based on disk rotation position
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable valve body with radial inlet and axial outlets is used, then water distribution is achieved, but a fluid chamber is required increasing installation space and 90° deflection causes significant pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional rotatable valve body with radial and axial flow paths to a two-dimensional flat rotating disk design. The through-openings are arranged in the plane of the disk, and rotation in this plane connects different discharge lines without requiring vertical space for a fluid chamber, significantly reducing installation space while maintaining distribution functionality
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
This design achieves a pressure loss of 20 mbar, significantly lower than previous solutions, allowing for a less powerful pump motor and efficient water distribution with minimal pressure loss across the transition area.
Implementation Method 1
a device producing a venturi effect is attached to the telescopic end of the inner tubular part, which serves to reduce the pressure and the temperature of the flowable medium at the sealing device
Implementation Method 2
A water diverter featuring a turntable with axially aligned through-openings and a Venturi effect, eliminating the need for additional mechanical sealing devices by utilizing the Venturi effect to reduce pressure loss and optimize water flow through the turntable's funnel-shaped inlet areas
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water-bearing domestic appliance (GS), in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, at least having a water diverter (WW) which is formed by an adjustable fluid distributor body which is provided with one or more passage openings (DO1 to DO7). The invention is characterized in that the respective passage openings (DO1 to DO7) connect a water supply path (ZR) to a respective water discharge path (AR1, AR2, AR3) in such a way that the direction of flow of water into and out of the passage openings (DO1 to DO7) is established in essentially the same direction of flow of water.