Rotatable Diverter Valve for Targeted Dishwasher Corner Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwashers with rotatable spray arms face inefficiencies in water and energy usage due to the need to spread wash fluid evenly across all areas, leading to wasted resources and reduced cleaning performance in corner areas of the tub.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher system utilizing a diverter valve to control the flow of wash fluid or pressurized air to a rotatable conduit supported in the dishwasher rack, allowing for precise direction of fluid flow to specific areas through a docking arrangement with rotatable docking ports and valve members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If wash fluid is spread evenly across all areas by rotatable spray arms, then all areas receive basic coverage, but water and energy are wasted and corner areas are not cleaned effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the spray system to deliver different fluid flow characteristics to different locations. The diverter valve selectively directs high-volume wash fluid to specific zones (such as corners) that require intensified cleaning, rather than uniformly distributing fluid across all areas. This localized approach concentrates cleaning power where needed most while reducing overall water and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the rotatable conduit and diverter valve assembly, which can dynamically reposition and redirect wash fluid flow during the wash cycle. The system transitions from static even distribution to dynamic targeted delivery, allowing the spray arms to rotate and pivot toward specific areas requiring cleaning attention based on real-time needs.
2Area of stationary object
If spray arms rotate in a circular path to cover all areas, then broad coverage is achieved, but corner areas receive insufficient cleaning attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wash tub into multiple zones with different cleaning requirements. The diverter valve system segments the fluid flow control, allowing independent adjustment of spray intensity and duration for different areas. Corner zones can receive focused, prolonged spraying while other areas receive lighter coverage, achieving both broad coverage and precise cleaning where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different spray characteristics for different locations. The rotatable conduit system positions spray nozzles to deliver high-pressure, high-volume fluid specifically to corner areas that require intensive cleaning, while maintaining broader coverage elsewhere through adjusted spray patterns and timing.
3Productivity
If spray jets are directed to sides of wash tub during rotation, then continuous spray coverage is maintained, but unneeded noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the spray operation in intermittent cycles rather than continuous operation. The diverter valve and rotatable conduit system can pause spraying when corners or specific areas have been sufficiently cleaned, creating periodic on/off cycles that maintain washing effectiveness while eliminating unnecessary noise generation from continuous spraying.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher and method for operating the same utilize a diverter valve to control via rotation the flow of fluid such as wash fluid or pressurized air to a rotatable conduit supported in the rack of a dishwasher. A valve member may be disposed at a predetermined rotational position about an axis of rotation of the conduit such that a fluid inlet on a rotatable valve body may be rotated to the predetermined rotational position to restrict fluid flow to the conduit.