Dishwasher Spray Arm Check Valve for Adjustable Rack Heights
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray arm assemblies in dishwashing appliances require elastomeric valves for height adjustment, which degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness in securing fluid connections for adjustable rack assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm assembly with a check valve plate featuring two check valves and closure protrusions, allowing for adjustable fluid connection at two different heights without relying on elastomeric materials, ensuring secure fluid sealing across varying rack heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric valves are used for height adjustment in spray arm assemblies, then the assembly can accommodate adjustable rack heights, but the valve effectiveness degrades over time due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elastomeric materials with a mechanical check valve system comprising a valve body, valve member, and closure protrusion. The valve member pivots on a pivot axis and uses a closure protrusion that engages with a corresponding feature on the docking station to secure the fluid connection. This mechanical system eliminates reliance on elastomeric elasticity, providing durable, repeatable valve operation across multiple height adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables height adjustment by providing two apertures in the valve body at different vertical positions. The docking station can engage with either the upper or lower aperture depending on the desired height position. This parameter change (vertical position of apertures) allows the spray arm assembly to accommodate different rack heights while maintaining reliable fluid connection through the mechanical valve system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single valve design is used for multiple heights, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different rack heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-height accommodation within a single valve design by incorporating two apertures in the valve body at different vertical positions. The same valve body, valve member, and closure protrusion assembly serves both height positions, eliminating the need for separate valve designs for different heights. This universal design maintains adaptability while controlling complexity through component reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented with two distinct apertures positioned vertically, allowing the docking station to engage at different heights. This segmentation of the fluid passage into multiple pathways enables height adjustment without requiring multiple complete valve assemblies, thus providing adaptability while managing device complexity.
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 solution provides a reliable and durable fluid connection system that accommodates multiple heights, maintaining effectiveness over repeated use and reducing the need for elastomeric materials, thus enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the spray arm assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The upper check valve is rotatable between an open position and a closed position... The lower check valve is rotatable between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 2
includes an upper closure protrusion extending outwardly from the upper check valve... includes a lower closure protrusion extending outwardly from the lower check valve, such that opening the lower check valve causes the upper closure protrusion, the lower closure protrusion, or both to move the upper check valve towards the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A spray arm assembly is provided that is configured for receiving a docking station at two different heights so as to, for example, accommodate an adjustable upper rack in a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm assembly includes a chamber and a check valve plate having two check valves with closure protrusions extending therefrom to provide this functionality.