Spray arm assembly and dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher spray arm arrangements do not effectively enhance cleaning performance across both upper and lower washware receptacles, particularly due to limitations in spray nozzle distribution and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A spray arm arrangement featuring a rotatable spray arm with a closure device that includes multiple spray nozzles, where the closure device is connected to the inlet pipe via a bayonet lock, allowing for both closure and spray functions, and the spray arm is designed to wobble during rotation, enhancing cleaning efficiency by directing spray jets towards both upper and lower baskets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional spray arm with single function is used, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning performance in both upper and lower baskets is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidspray arm structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is designed to perform dual functions: it serves as both a closure element for the bearing device and as a spray element with multiple spray nozzles directed toward the lower basket. This multi-functionality improves cleaning performance in both baskets while avoiding the need for completely separate components, thus balancing enhanced reliability with controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spray arm arrangement is divided into functionally distinct segments: the spray arm with nozzles for the upper basket, the inlet pipe, the bearing device, and the closure device with integrated spray nozzles for the lower basket. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system coherence and manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the closure device is integrated with spray nozzles, then cleaning performance in lower basket is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performance in lower basketVSAvoidclosure device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated component: the closure function (securing the spray arm to the inlet pipe) and the spray function (delivering washing liquor to the lower basket). This integration improves cleaning performance in the lower basket while reducing the total number of separate components, thus managing device complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the spray arm is fixed without wobbling movement, then the structure is stable, but the cleaning performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidspray arm stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing device is designed with intentional play that allows the spray arm to perform a wobbling movement in addition to rotation. This dynamic capability enables the spray arm to reach different areas and angles, significantly improving cleaning performance. The wobble is controlled within acceptable limits, maintaining sufficient stability for proper function while adding the necessary movement variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 arrangement provides improved cleaning performance by ensuring thorough washing of items in both upper and lower baskets through defined, moving spray jets, with the closure device's dual function of holding the spray arm and providing additional cleaning capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the closure device having at least one spray nozzle... The closure device preferably has a large number of spray nozzles... defined rigid or moving spray jets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3085293B1Spray arm assembly and dishwasher
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3085293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3085293B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a spray arm arrangement (11) for a dishwasher (1), having a spray arm (13), an inlet pipe (12) to which the spray arm (13) is rotatably attached with the aid of a bearing device (19), and a closure device ( 23) for closing the storage device (19), the closing device (23) having at least one spray nozzle (24).