Removable Dishwasher Sprayers for Reconfigurable Spray Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers lack flexibility in configuring spray zones, leading to incomplete cleaning of heavily soiled utensils due to uniform washing patterns that do not account for load size, location, and utensil type.

Innovation Solution

An automatic dishwasher with a primary spraying system and a removable auxiliary sprayer system that allows users to create additional, user-configurable spray zones by placing and repositioning auxiliary sprayers within the dishwasher, supplementing the fixed primary spray zones and enhancing cleaning flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If permanent fixed sprayers are used, then the dishwasher structure is simple and reliable, but the spray zones cannot be reconfigured to match different load characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray zone configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsprayer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sprayer system is divided into permanent fixed sprayers and removable auxiliary sprayers. The auxiliary sprayers can be independently added or removed to create additional spray zones, allowing the system to adapt to different load configurations without redesigning the entire sprayer system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sprayer system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Users can position auxiliary sprayers at different locations within the dishwasher chamber to create customized spray patterns based on the specific washing needs of different loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If uniform washing patterns are used, then the spray system is simple to operate, but heavily soiled utensils in specific locations are not cleaned effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidspray system operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying uniform spray coverage throughout the chamber, the system allows users to place auxiliary sprayers at specific locations where heavily soiled utensils are positioned. This creates localized intensified spray zones that target specific areas needing enhanced cleaning while maintaining simple operation through user-friendly removable sprayer design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration improves washing performance by allowing tailored cleaning cycles based on load characteristics, increasing both efficiency and cleaning effectiveness by providing intensified spray zones where needed.

Implementation Method 1

A recirculation system having multiple permanent sprayers, which are provided liquid by a pump, is provided for recirculating wash liquid throughout the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

multiple permanent sprayers, which are provided liquid by a pump, is provided for recirculating wash liquid throughout the tub to remove soils from the utensils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid Spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS9259138B2Dishwasher with auxiliary spray system having removable sprayers

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

An automatic dishwasher having at least one primary sprayer and at least one auxiliary sprayer located within a treating chamber. Wherein the at least one auxiliary sprayer is removably mounted in the treating chamber.