Spray system for an appliance having a flexible spray membrane having a separable seam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid flow systems in laundry appliances face blockages due to particulate material, which can lead to disruptions in the recirculation of process fluid, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to handle larger blockages within the spray nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A flexible spray head with an operable seam that bisects each nozzle, allowing for selective separation to create a release opening when a blockage is detected, ensuring continuous fluid flow by accommodating larger particulate material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the spray nozzle aperture is kept small for precise fluid distribution, then spray precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to blockages by particulate material
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head is segmented into multiple sections by seams that can separate from each other. When a blockage occurs in a spray nozzle, the seam separating that nozzle can open to release the blockage, allowing the system to maintain precise spray patterns through the remaining functional nozzles while recovering from the blockage event.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where seams can separate and rejoin based on operational conditions. The seam separation mechanism allows the spray head to adapt its structure in response to blockages, maintaining spray precision by preserving functional nozzles while eliminating obstructions.
2Reliability
If the spray nozzle aperture is enlarged to accommodate larger particulate material, then blockage resistance is improved, but spray precision and fluid distribution control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than enlarging all spray nozzles uniformly (which would reduce spray precision), the system segments the spray head into separable sections. This allows individual nozzles to maintain their precise small apertures for accurate fluid distribution, while the seam separation capability provides blockage resistance by enabling targeted release of obstructions without affecting the precision of functional nozzles.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid spray head structure is used for structural stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to handle blockages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head is constructed with seams creating separable sections, combining the structural stability of precisely manufactured rigid components with the adaptability of a segmented design. Each section can be precisely manufactured for structural integrity, while the seam separation capability provides blockage handling versatility by allowing sections to open and release obstructions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head incorporates dynamic seam separation capability into its otherwise rigid structure. This allows the system to maintain manufacturing precision and structural stability during normal operation, while gaining adaptability to handle blockages through controlled separation of seams when obstructions are detected.
4Measurement precision
If the seam remains closed to maintain spray pattern integrity, then spray precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to fluid flow disruptions from blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented spray head design with separable seams allows the system to maintain spray pattern integrity through closed seams during normal operation, while enabling rapid response to blockages through seam separation. This preserves productivity by quickly restoring fluid flow continuity when blockages occur, minimizing disruptions to the recirculation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam separation mechanism ensures continuity of useful action by rapidly responding to blockages and restoring fluid flow. When a blockage disrupts the recirculation process, the seam separates to release the obstruction, allowing the fluid flow to continue uninterrupted through the spray head, thereby maintaining continuous productive operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A recirculating fluid flow system for an appliance includes a fluid pump that delivers process fluid through a fluid path. A tub is disposed within a cabinet and defines a processing space. The fluid path includes at least a portion of the processing space. The tub has an outlet that directs the process fluid toward the fluid pump. A sprayer assembly is coupled with the tub for directing the process fluid into the processing space. The sprayer assembly includes a spray head having a plurality of spray nozzles and an operable seam that extends through each spray nozzle of the plurality of spray nozzles. The operable seam is selectively separable to define a release opening that includes at least two spray nozzles of the plurality of spray nozzles.