Multiport Conduit Docking Assembly for Adjustable Dishwasher Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher designs face challenges in optimizing fluid flow to spray arms due to the adjustable nature of racks, where check valves can obstruct flow or require complex multiple docking ports, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable conduit and docking assembly with a sealing plate and docking station featuring upper, middle, and lower docking ports, allowing fluid communication to change based on the rack's position, ensuring optimal fluid flow regardless of the rack's height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If check valves with closure protrusions are used to control fluid flow at different rack positions, then the conduit can maintain a single docking port, but the closure protrusions obstruct fluid flow even when open
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the obstructive closure protrusions from the check valves and replaces them with a sealing plate having apertures that align with docking ports. This extraction of the harmful geometric feature (protrusions) eliminates the flow obstruction while maintaining the check valve's one-way flow control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate acts as an intermediary component between the check valves and the docking ports. It provides a clean opening mechanism where apertures can be selectively opened or closed without the geometric obstructions inherent in protrusion-based check valve designs.
2Productivity
If multiple docking ports are provided at different heights to accommodate rack position changes, then optimal fluid flow can be maintained, but the sealing mechanism becomes complex to prevent fluid leakage from non-active ports
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function into a single integrated sealing plate that works in conjunction with all docking ports. Instead of having separate sealing mechanisms for each port, one sealing plate with multiple apertures provides unified sealing control, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals multiple docking ports, provides selective fluid pathways through its apertures, and works with check valves to control flow direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms for each port.
3Device complexity
If a single docking port is used with check valves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the closure protrusions create flow obstructions that reduce fluid flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the obstructive closure protrusions from the check valves and replaces them with a sealing plate having apertures that align with docking ports. This extraction of the harmful geometric feature (protrusions) eliminates the flow obstruction while maintaining the check valve's one-way flow control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate acts as an intermediary component between the check valves and the docking ports. It provides a clean opening mechanism where apertures can be selectively opened or closed without the geometric obstructions inherent in protrusion-based check valve designs.
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 ensures consistent and optimized fluid flow to the spray arm across various rack positions, simplifying manufacturing and operation by eliminating the need for complex multiple docking ports and reducing obstructions, thereby enhancing wash efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit includes a chamber and a check valve plate having two check valves with closure protrusions extending therefrom. When the conduit is docked in an upper position, one of the check valves is opened to allow a fluid flow into the conduit and the other check valve is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable conduit and docking assembly for use in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The adjustable conduit and docking assembly includes a conduit configured for receiving a docking station at different heights so as to accommodate a height adjustment of a rack assembly to which the conduit is attached. The conduit and docking assembly includes a multiport docking station to provide this functionality.