Lower Spray Arm Valve-Drive Integration for Controlled Wash Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arms rely on hydraulic drive, which is dependent on pump flow rate and pressure, limiting their speed and direction control, often resulting in stalled operations and inefficient cleaning, especially during cycles with varying soil loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a motor-driven first lower spray assembly with a compact drive system that integrates with a valve assembly, allowing for controlled rotation and bi-directional movement, independent of liquid supply, enabling more efficient and strategic washing strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic drive is used for spray arms, then the system is simpler and relies on liquid supply, but the rotation speed and direction control is limited and prone to stalling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic drive system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor provides direct rotational control to the spray arm through a drive shaft, eliminating dependence on liquid pressure and flow rate for rotation. This substitution enables precise control of rotation speed and direction through electronic control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity by using a more controllable but slightly more complex electric drive system.
2Productivity
If motor-driven spray assembly is implemented, then rotation control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor-driven rotation mechanism with the spray assembly into a single integrated unit. The motor, drive shaft, and spray arm form a combined assembly where the motor directly drives the spray arm rotation. This integration improves cleaning efficiency by enabling controlled rotation and positioning of the spray arm, while managing device complexity through compact design and functional consolidation of the drive system components.
3Volume of moving object
If compact configuration is achieved by extending output shaft through valve element, then space is reduced, but the valve assembly and drive system integration increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the motor output shaft extends directly through the valve element. The valve element is positioned within or around the drive shaft, allowing the liquid flow path to be integrated with the rotational drive mechanism. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall volume of the drive system by eliminating separate mounting structures and reducing spatial separation between components, while managing integration complexity through careful design of the nested component interfaces.
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 solution enhances cleaning efficiency by allowing precise control over the rotation speed and direction of the spray assembly, improving wash coverage and optimizing resource usage by targeting only occupied areas, reducing water and energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a drive system having an output shaft driven by a motor
Implementation Method 2
Traditional dishwasher spray arms rely on hydraulic drive
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic dishwasher having a wash tub defining at least a portion of a wash chamber, a first sprayer mounted within the wash chamber for rotatable movement therein, a liquid flow path fluidly coupling the wash chamber to the first sprayer, a valve assembly located within the liquid flow path and having a valve element rotatable about a first axis of rotation and between at least first and second positions to selectively divert liquid in the liquid flow path to the first sprayer and a drive system.