Spray arm for a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher spray arms suffer from clogged spray nozzles due to dirt particles, and the filter mechanism within the washing liquor channel is difficult to access and clean, leading to cumbersome and expensive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm design featuring a replaceable and positionable filter insert located in the inlet opening, allowing easy user access for inspection and cleaning, which minimizes nozzle clogging and facilitates maintenance by enabling the filter to be removed and cleaned independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter means is arranged in the washing liquor channel inside the spray arm, then the spray nozzles are protected from clogging, but the filter means becomes difficult to access and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The filter means is extracted from the internal washing liquor channel and repositioned to the inlet opening of the spray arm. This allows the filter to remain functional in protecting spray nozzles while being easily accessible for regular cleaning and maintenance by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter means is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently accessed and cleaned. This segmentation allows the filter to be maintained without disassembling the entire spray arm structure, resolving the contradiction between protection function and maintenance accessibility.
2Device complexity
If the filter means is made stationary and integrated into the spray arm, then the structure is simplified, but maintenance becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The filter means is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be easily inserted and removed from the inlet opening. This replaceability transforms the filter from a fixed, hard-to-maintain component to an easily serviceable part, reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter means is positioned at the inlet opening where it can be preemptively cleaned before contaminants reach the spray nozzles. This preliminary filtering action protects the spray system while allowing easy access for routine maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If the filter means is placed at the inlet opening, then user access for cleaning is improved, but the protection effect may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter means acts as an intermediary component positioned at the inlet opening, intercepting contaminants before they enter the washing liquor channel and reach the spray nozzles. This positioning maintains protection effectiveness while enabling easy user access for cleaning.
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 user convenience and maintenance efficiency by allowing central separation and easy removal of dirt particles, reducing the likelihood of spray nozzle clogging and enabling early detection of blockages through existing dishwasher monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
a filter means (7) which, when used as intended, is not arranged in the rinsing liquor channel (6) but as a filter insert in the inlet opening (4) upstream of the rinsing liquor channel (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a spray arm for a dishwasher, comprising an inlet opening (4) for washing liquid, a spray nozzle (5), a washing liquid channel (6) which connects the spray nozzle (5) to the inlet opening (4) in a flow-technical manner, and a filter medium, wherein the filter medium is a filter insert (7) which can be positioned interchangeably in the inlet opening (4).