Hydraulically Actuated Diverter Using Fluid Flow for Passive Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing appliances require expensive and complex motor-driven or hydraulically actuated diverters to control fluid flow to multiple spray assemblies, consuming space and increasing costs due to the need for additional sensors to determine angular positions.
Innovation Solution
A passive, hydraulically actuated diverter that uses fluid flow forces to switch between outlet ports without a dedicated motor, eliminating the need for angular position sensors and reducing complexity and cost by using ramped elements to 'zero' the diverter's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-driven diverter is used to control fluid flow, then the diverter can reliably switch between outlet ports, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly and additional space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve uses the fluid flow itself to actuate the switching mechanism. The hydraulic actuator is driven by pressurized fluid from the pump, eliminating the need for an external motor. The valve body incorporates the actuation mechanism, and the fluid pressure automatically moves the valve between positions based on pump operation, making the system self-servicing without separate power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the motor component from the diverter system. By eliminating the motor and using only hydraulic actuation through the valve body, the design reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the outlet ports
2Power
If a motor is positioned below the diverter to power the diverter, then the diverter can be actuated, but significant space is consumed which reduces the space available in the dishwashing compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the actuation mechanism directly into the valve body. The hydraulic actuator is integrated within the valve housing, and the piston mechanism is contained within the same structure that directs fluid flow. This consolidation eliminates separate motor housings and positioning requirements, reducing the overall volume occupied in the dishwashing compartment
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to determine the angular position of the diverter valve, then the angular position can be accurately determined, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body itself provides position indication through its mechanical structure. The diverter valve has distinct positions (first outlet port, second outlet port, bypass) that are mechanically determined by the valve's orientation and the engagement of lugs with slots in the valve body. This mechanical self-indication eliminates the need for external sensors to determine angular position
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the valve body structure as an intermediary to convey position information. The slots and lugs create a mechanical encoding system where the valve's position is physically indicated by which slot the lug engages with, providing position information without requiring electronic sensors or additional measurement devices
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 allows for cost-effective and space-efficient control of fluid flow to multiple spray assemblies, reducing the need for additional sensors and motor components, thereby enhancing the efficiency and affordability of dishwashing appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element extends between the boss and the valve and is configured to urge the valve towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
The first ramped element and the second ramped element are configured to contact each other when the valve moves into the first position so as to cause the valve to rotate into a base angular position
Implementation Method 3
The guide elements and the cams are configured to contact each other when the valve moves into the second position so as to cause the valve to rotate incrementally through a plurality of selected angular positions for fluid flow through one more outlet ports
Data Source
AI summary
A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports and supply one or more spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space. In addition, a secondary set of ramps may provide a manner in which to “zero” the angular position of the diverter, i.e., place the diverter in a known, home position. This can reduce the additional cost, weight, and complexity of including additional sensors to determine the angular position of the diverter.