Laundry appliance comprising a spray system having a flexible spray membrane having a separable seam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances face challenges with blockages in fluid flow systems due to particulate material that can become lodged in spray nozzles, disrupting continuous fluid flow and requiring frequent cleaning or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating fluid flow system with a flexible spray head and a separable seam within each nozzle that automatically opens to allow larger blockages to pass through, ensuring continuous fluid flow and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If spray nozzles are made with fixed rigid structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but blockages from particulate material cannot be cleared
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head incorporates a flexible membrane instead of a rigid structure, allowing the nozzle opening to dynamically adjust its size. The membrane can deform under pressure to accommodate and clear blockages from particulate material, while returning to its original configuration for precise spraying when not blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head uses a flexible membrane as the nozzle structure, replacing traditional rigid materials. This flexible film allows the nozzle opening to expand and contract, enabling it to clear blockages while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled flexibility and elastic recovery.
2Manufacturing precision
If spray nozzles have fixed openings, then manufacturing precision is improved, but frequent cleaning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane nozzle performs self-cleaning by automatically clearing blockages through its deformable structure. When particulate material blocks the nozzle, the membrane deforms to create a larger opening that allows the blockage to pass through, eliminating the need for manual cleaning interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle dynamically adjusts its opening size in response to blockages, transitioning from a closed precise state to an expanded clearing state and back automatically. This dynamic behavior reduces maintenance frequency by enabling the nozzle to clear its own blockages without human intervention.
3Reliability
If larger openings are provided in spray nozzles, then blockage clearance is improved, but spray precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane allows the nozzle opening to dynamically change size: small and precise during normal operation for consistent spray patterns, and large when blocked to clear particulate material. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between precise spraying and blockage clearance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle opening parameter (size) is changed dynamically based on operational conditions. The flexible membrane responds to pressure changes and blockage presence by adjusting the opening size, maintaining precision when needed and enabling clearance when blocked, thus resolving the contradiction between spray precision and blockage clearance.
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 effectively prevents blockages by allowing larger particulate material to be cleared, maintaining continuous fluid flow and reducing the need for frequent cleaning, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of laundry appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible spray head includes spray nozzles. An operable seam extends through the spray head and bisects each of the spray nozzles. The operable seam separates to define a release opening when a blockage within the process fluid is disposed within at least one of the spray nozzles.
Data Source
AI summary
A recirculating fluid flow system (10) for an appliance (12) includes a fluid pump (18) that delivers process fluid (14) through a fluid path (20). A tub (22) is disposed within a cabinet (24) and defines a processing space (16). The fluid path (20) includes at least a portion of the processing space (16). The tub (22) has an outlet (150) that directs the process fluid (14) toward the fluid pump (18). A sprayer assembly (28) is coupled with the tub (22) for directing the process fluid (14) into the processing space (16). The sprayer assembly (28) includes a spray head (30) having a plurality of spray nozzles (32) and an operable seam (34) that extends through each spray nozzle (32) of the plurality of spray nozzles (32). The operable seam (34) is selectively separable to define a release opening (36) that includes at least two spray nozzles (32) of the plurality of spray nozzles (32).