dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers with microbubble generators have complex channel structures, increasing component count and material costs, and compromise space utilization due to separate lower tub accommodations for the generator.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the bubble generation flow path within the spray arm, using a fusion method to couple the upper and lower spray arm bodies, and incorporating a deco cover to protect the spray arm and prevent user injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microbubble generator is installed using a separate accommodation space in the lower portion of the tub, then washing performance is improved, but device complexity and material costs increase due to complicated channel structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microbubble generation function with the existing spray arm structure by forming a flow path inside the spray arm body. The spray arm is divided into an upper body and lower body that are fused together to create an internal flow path for washing water, eliminating the need for separate microbubble generator accommodation space and complex external channel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray arm is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a water spraying component and a microbubble generation chamber. The internal flow path formed by fusing the upper and lower bodies allows washing water to flow through and generate microbubbles directly within the spray arm, making it a multi-functional component.
2Reliability
If a separate accommodation space for the microbubble generator is formed in the lower portion of the tub, then washing performance is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microbubble generation function is merged into the spray arm structure itself, utilizing the existing space within the spray arm body. The upper and lower bodies are fused to form an internal flow path, eliminating the need for separate accommodation space in the tub's lower portion and improving overall space utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper body and lower body of the spray arm are coupled using a fastening structure, then assembly is enabled, but coupling strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The upper body and lower body are made of thermoplastic resin materials that can be fused together through heating. The fusion ribs protrude from one body and insert into grooves on the other body, and when heated, the materials fuse to create a strong bonded joint that is stronger than mechanical fastening alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling method utilizes temperature parameter changes to transition the thermoplastic resin materials from a solid state to a softened state during fusion. By controlling the heating temperature, the materials become pliable for bonding, then cool to form a strong permanent joint between the upper and lower bodies.
4Device complexity
If the spray arm is exposed without protection, then structure is simplified, but damage or breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A deco cover made of metal is introduced to protect the spray arm. The cover acts as a protective shell that surrounds the spray arm, preventing direct contact and potential damage from external objects while allowing the spray arm to function normally.
5Reliability
If a metal deco cover is added to protect the spray arm, then durability is improved, but user injury risk increases due to sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning member made of elastic material is introduced to absorb potential impact forces and prevent user injury. The cushioning member is positioned between the metal deco cover and the user, providing a soft barrier that prevents injury from sharp edges or impact while maintaining the protective function of the metal cover.
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
Simplifies the dishwasher structure, reduces material costs, enhances washing performance by using microbubbles, and prevents spray arm damage while ensuring user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer flow path fluidly connected to the connection flow path and having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than that of the connection flow path
Implementation Method 2
an air suction flow path fluidly connected to the buffer flow path and sucking air from a suction hole communicating with the washing space
Implementation Method 3
the upper body and the lower body are made of a thermoplastic resin and are fused to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher capable of improve washing performance by using washing water containing microbubbles, and integrally forming a flow path forming rib for forming a washing water flow path inside an upper body and a lower body configuring a spray arm and a fusion rib for fusion coupling the upper body and the lower body to effectively secures a flow path structure and simplify a fastening structure. Here, the dishwasher includes a tub (20) forming a washing space (21); and a spray arm (61) configured for discharging washing into the washing space (21), the spray arm (61) including a main body portion (610) having a first flow path, wherein the first flow path includes: a connection flow path (6161) to supply washing water into the first flow path; a buffer flow path (6162) connected to the connection flow path (6161) and having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the connection flow path (6161); an air suction flow path (6163) connected to the buffer flow path (6162) and configured for sucking air through a suction hole (6182) communicating with the washing space (21); and a discharge flow path (617) connected to the air suction flow path (6163) and having discharge holes (617a, 617b, 623h) for discharging the washing water having passed through the air suction flow path (6163) into the washing space (21).