A distribution valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers with multiple racks face issues due to electronic motor-driven distribution valves that can be damaged by water and clogged by fluid particles, requiring a solution that is both safe and efficient.
Innovation Solution
A distribution valve with a drive element that uses fluid force to rotate a blade, preventing fluid from reaching gears and using sealing members to prevent fluid contact with gear components, ensuring durable and electronic-component-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronic motor-driven dividing unit is used to guide washing fluid to spray arms, then the distribution control is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to water damage and particle clogging of electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electronic components (motor, electronic control) from the distribution valve system entirely. Instead, it uses a purely mechanical seal plate assembly with movable seal elements that are actuated by washing fluid pressure itself, extracting the problematic electronic parts while maintaining distribution control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plate assembly is actuated automatically by the washing fluid pressure without external power sources. The fluid pressure moves the seal plate to open or close distribution ports, making the system self-regulating and eliminating motors or electronic actuators that could be damaged by water
2Ease of manufacture
If a double gear and parallel shaft structure is used in the dividing unit, then the mechanical transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases requiring a large inner area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated seal plate assembly. The seal plate performs both sealing and distribution functions, eliminating the need for separate gear mechanisms and parallel shafts. This merging reduces structural complexity and space requirements while maintaining mechanical transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution valve is segmented into modular components: a body, a rotatable seal plate with multiple seal elements, and distribution ports. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while the assembly achieves complex distribution functionality, avoiding the need for complex gear systems
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 solution provides a safe, durable, and economical distribution of washing fluid to spray arms, reducing water consumption and preventing gear damage from fluid particles, while maintaining efficient operation without electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
allows the fluid to hit against at least one blade (3a) of the drive element (3) such that the fluid rotates around an axis in its center
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
With the present invention, there is provided a distribution valve (D) suitable for use in a dishwasher, and comprising a body (1) on which an inlet (G) in connection with a water supply and two outlets (C) in connection with two distributors are disposed; a plate (2) which allows the fluid within the body (1) to be fed into at least one of said outlets (C) while preventing the others from receiving the fluid; and at least one opening (2a) which is provided on the plate and through which the fluid reaches the outlet (C). The inventive distribution valve (D) comprises a drive element (3) which allows the fluid to hit against at least one blade (3a) thereof and to rotate and which has at least one passage (3b) through which the fluid hitting against the blade (3a) reaches the outlet (C); at least one drive gear (3c) provided on the drive element (3); at least a first sealing member (3d) which is positioned on the drive gear (3c) so as to prevent the fluid from reaching the drive gear (3c); at least a first transmission gear (4) which rotates by the motion of the drive gear (3c); and at least one central gear (5) to which the rotational motion is transmitted and which is connected, on one end, with the plate (2).