Spray arm assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm configurations fail to provide consistent and uniform fluid flow, leading to reduced effectiveness in cleaning cycles due to variable flow strength and potential clogging.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm assembly with flow-shaping structures that direct washing fluid from a main spray arm to a satellite arm, ensuring consistent and efficient fluid distribution, featuring fluid supply channels that redirect fluid radially past the outlet opening and back towards the inlet, and a flow-directing element to separate and align fluid flow for optimal convergence at the outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spray arm configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but the fluid flow consistency and cleaning effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm is divided into a main spray arm and a satellite arm, with the main spray arm having an inlet opening and outlet opening, and the satellite arm rotatably coupled to the outlet opening. This segmentation allows independent optimization of fluid flow paths in each segment, improving overall flow consistency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply channels extend past the outlet opening and redirect fluid radially past the outlet and back towards the inlet, creating a three-dimensional flow path within the spray arm body. This dimensional approach enables the fluid to follow a controlled trajectory that ensures consistent distribution to the satellite arm, transforming a simple linear flow into a sophisticated multi-directional flow pattern
2Reliability
If conventional spray arms are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but clogging risk increases due to insufficient flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-shaping structures and fluid supply channels are designed to pre-condition the fluid flow before it reaches the satellite arm outlets. By establishing controlled flow patterns and velocities upstream, the system prevents debris accumulation and clogging at critical points, addressing potential problems before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply channels act as intermediary structures between the inlet and outlet openings, mediating the fluid flow to ensure consistent velocity and pressure distribution. These channels serve as a buffer zone that smooths out flow variations and prevents direct exposure of outlets to turbulent or inconsistent flow conditions that could cause clogging
3Manufacturing precision
If simple fluid channels are used, then manufacturing is easier, but fluid flow uniformity and cleaning effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the fluid supply channels have different geometric properties optimized for their specific functions. The channels extending past the outlet opening have specific curvature and diameter variations tailored to redirect fluid radially and create consistent flow patterns, while other sections have different characteristics suited for their local flow requirements
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 design enhances the consistency and efficiency of washing fluid flow, improving the cleaning effectiveness and reducing the risk of clogging, resulting in a more energy and water-efficient wash cycle.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the one or more fluid supply channels extends past the outlet opening relative to the inlet opening such that the one or more fluid supply channels are configured to direct the washing fluid flowing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening radially past the outlet opening and at least partially back towards the inlet opening
Implementation Method 2
The curved inner surface may correspond the portion of the one or more fluid supply channels that extend past the outlet opening, such that the curved inner surface may be configured to redirect the washing fluid at least partially back towards the inlet opening
Implementation Method 3
The flow-directing element may divide one of the one or more fluid supply channels into two fluid supply channels each located along opposing sides of flow-directing element to separate the washing fluid flowing through the spray arm
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a spray arm assembly and associated dishwasher. The spray arm assembly may include a spray arm and a satellite arm. The spray arm may have a body defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening spaced along the body, and the body may receive washing fluid at the inlet opening and direct at least a portion of the washing fluid to an outlet opening. The body may further define one or more fluid supply channels extending between and fluidly communicating the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The satellite arm may be rotatably coupled to the spray arm at the outlet opening, and a portion of the one or more fluid supply channels may extend past the outlet opening to direct at least a portion of the washing fluid past the outlet opening and back towards the inlet opening before entering the outlet opening.