Gravity Diverter Valve for Alternating Dishwasher Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water diverter systems in dishwashers are costly and complex, or require excessive water and pumping effort to alternate water flow between multiple spray arm assemblies, which increases energy consumption and water usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of gravity and flow-operated diverter valves with a housing and pivotable valve member that automatically alternates between two outlet openings based on liquid flow, eliminating the need for solenoid valves or pump-driven systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to divert water between spray assemblies, then water flow alternation is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve member is designed to automatically alternate water flow between outlets using the water flow itself and gravity, without requiring external control systems. The valve member pivots on its own axis and self-actuates based on flow direction changes, eliminating the need for solenoid valves or electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (solenoid valves, pumps, floating balls) with a simplified gravity-based mechanical system. The diverter valve uses gravitational force on the valve member combined with water flow pressure to achieve automatic alternation, substituting electronic-mechanical systems with a pure mechanical gravity-based system.
2Ease of operation
If pump-driven systems are used to move water and alternate flow, then water flow alternation is achieved, but water consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the water flow itself to actuate the diverter valve member. The flowing water creates pressure differential and gravitational effects that automatically pivot the valve member to alternate between outlets, eliminating the need for separate pump-driven mechanisms and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter valve member naturally alternates between sealing the first outlet and sealing the second outlet in periodic succession based on water flow cycles. This periodic self-actuation eliminates continuous pumping requirements and reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective water flow alternation.
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 solution reduces water usage and energy consumption by allowing efficient alternation of water flow between spray arm assemblies without the need for additional electronics or complex mechanisms, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
A valve member has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the valve member being movably suspended within the housing by the first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening
Implementation Method 2
the housing interior and the valve member are cooperatively configured so that on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. The housing is operable in a configuration with the base wall arranged vertically beneath the first and second upper walls. A valve member has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the valve member being movably suspended within the housing by the first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. The housing interior and the valve member are cooperatively configured so that on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.