Multi-directional air distribution assembly for a dishwashing appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashing appliances experience incomplete and inconsistent air flow distribution during the drying cycle due to fixed air flow direction, leading to inefficient drying of articles in the wash chamber.
Innovation Solution
A venting assembly with a movable diverter disk and a fan that selectively directs air flow through multiple paths, allowing the diverter disk to change positions based on air flow direction, ensuring even air distribution across the wash chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed direction air flow assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air flow distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow assembly uses a movable diverter disk that can dynamically change its orientation to direct air flow in different directions (e.g., upward, downward, lateral) depending on the drying cycle requirements, transforming a static fixed-direction system into a dynamic multi-directional system that maintains uniform air distribution without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow assembly is segmented into multiple independent air flow paths with separate diverters, allowing each segment to control air direction independently. This segmentation enables the system to achieve uniform multi-directional air distribution while keeping each individual diverter relatively simple in structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If air flow is directed in multiple directions, then the air distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow assembly is designed with a universal structure where a single fan can direct air flow in multiple directions through the use of movable diverters. This multi-functional design allows one component to perform multiple air distribution functions, reducing the need for separate air flow assemblies for each direction and thereby controlling overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable diverter disk is used, then the air flow adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable diverter disk is designed to be passively actuated by the air flow itself or by simple mechanical linkages connected to the fan operation, rather than requiring complex active control systems. The diverter automatically positions itself to guide air flow in the appropriate direction based on the operational state, achieving high adaptability with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter disk acts as an intermediary element between the fan and the wash chamber, mediating the air flow direction without requiring direct complex control mechanisms. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a mechanical interface that translates fan operation into multi-directional air distribution
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 improved air flow distribution during the drying cycle, ensuring consistent and efficient drying of articles by alternating air flow paths, enhancing the overall drying performance of the dishwashing appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A fan selectively urges air through the inlet in one of a plurality of directions
Implementation Method 2
The diverter disk is movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position. The diverter disk is configured to move from the second position to the first position when the fan urges air through the inlet in the first direction, and to move from the first position to the second position when the fan urges air through the inlet in the second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber. An inlet is defined in the tub and provides air flow into the wash chamber. A fan selectively urges air through the inlet in at least two different directions, including a first direction and a second direction. A diverter disk is proximate the inlet downstream of the fan and upstream of the wash chamber. The diverter disk defines an axial direction. The diverter disk is movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position. The fan urges the diverter disk to move from the second position to the first position when the fan urges air through the inlet in the first direction, and the fan urges the diverter disk to move from the first position to the second position when the fan urges air through the inlet in the second direction.