Offset-Axis Dishwasher Spray Arm for Corner Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwasher spray arm assemblies with circular geometry fail to effectively reach the corners of square or rectangular dishwasher interiors, resulting in inadequate cleaning of articles located in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm assembly with a plurality of branches connected about a center point, featuring a base conduit and intermediate conduit that are rotatable about offset central axes, allowing the branches to form a Reuleaux triangle path that efficiently directs wash fluid to the outer periphery and corners of the dishwasher chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circular spray arm assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the corners of the dishwasher are not sufficiently reached by wash fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm assembly transitions from a traditional circular symmetric design to an asymmetric design where the spray arm rotates in an elliptical path. The arm is positioned offset from the center of rotation, creating asymmetric spray patterns that effectively reach all corners of the rectangular dishwasher chamber while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of motion by having the spray arm rotate in an elliptical path rather than a simple circular path. This elliptical rotation pattern, achieved through the offset mounting of the spray arm on the rotating carrier, allows wash fluid to be directed to areas that would otherwise be unreachable in a standard circular rotation, particularly the corners of the dishwasher.
2Reliability
If jets are angled towards the outer periphery to reach corners, then corner coverage is improved, but the design becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed angled jets or complex mechanical structures, the invention employs a dynamic solution where the entire spray arm assembly rotates in an elliptical path. This dynamic motion naturally directs spray coverage to the corners at appropriate points in the rotation cycle, achieving comprehensive corner coverage without requiring complex fixed-angle jet configurations or additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating carrier assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the rotational motion for spray distribution, positions the spray arm at the correct offset distance, and enables the elliptical rotation path that achieves corner coverage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate corner-targeting mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective corner coverage.
3Reliability
If pivoting supports or outer peripheral tracks are used to guide spray arm, then corner reach is improved, but the design becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex pivoting supports and outer peripheral track mechanisms from the design. Instead, it uses a simplified rotating carrier assembly with an offset-mounted spray arm that naturally achieves corner reach through its elliptical rotation path, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining the desired corner coverage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis. The spray arm central axis is offset from the base conduit central axis.