Asymmetric Rotary Sprayer Arm for Targeted Dishwasher Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines face challenges in achieving optimal washing results, particularly with lower rotary sprayers, due to difficulties in reaching heavily encrusted or shaped crockery, potential obstruction by cutlery, and inefficient water distribution, leading to uneven cleaning and increased water consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring an asymmetric arm that rotates 360°, equipped with a motor and motion transmission mechanism, allows precise positioning and movement of a smaller rotary sprayer within the wash chamber, using a single actuator to control the arm and alternate wash assembly, ensuring targeted water distribution and reducing water consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lower rotary sprayer uses nozzles with greater diameters to ensure stronger water impact on encrusted crockery, then washing effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable arm that can rotate and position the sprayer dynamically throughout the wash chamber, allowing the same sprayer to serve multiple areas. This dynamic positioning replaces the need for multiple stationary sprayers with large nozzles, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness through targeted delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single lower sprayer mounted on the movable arm performs the function of multiple sprayers by being repositioned to different locations and angles. This multi-functional capability allows one sprayer to cover the entire wash chamber, eliminating the need for multiple high-consumption nozzles and reducing total water usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single lower rotary sprayer is used to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to wash all areas of the wash chamber effectively is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesprayer structureVSAvoidwashing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable arm with rotational capability transforms a single stationary sprayer into a dynamic washing system. The arm can rotate to different positions and the sprayer can be oriented at various angles, enabling one simple sprayer structure to achieve the washing coverage of multiple complex stationary sprayers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds the dimension of movement to the sprayer system. Instead of multiple sprayers arranged in different spatial positions, a single sprayer is given freedom of movement in multiple dimensions through the movable arm, achieving comprehensive coverage while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the sprayer rotates at high speed to improve washing efficiency, then productivity is increased, but the risk of striking obstructing crockery and stopping increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable arm system allows the sprayer to dynamically adjust its position and avoid obstructions rather than maintaining fixed high-speed rotation. The sprayer can be repositioned around obstructing crockery, maintaining operational continuity while preserving washing efficiency through adaptive movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to maintain continuous high-speed rotation and hoping to avoid obstructions, the system inverts the approach by using controlled movement to actively navigate around obstructions. The sprayer slows down strategically to reposition, then resumes efficient operation, achieving both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables improved washing performance by allowing precise positioning of the rotary sprayer, reducing water consumption, and preventing corrosion and dirt accumulation, resulting in better cleaning of all areas of the wash chamber with reduced operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

adattato a far ruotare l' braccio (3) attorno ad un asse verticale

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

meccanismo di trasmissione del moto, adattato a trasmettere il moto dal motore al braccio (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

la forza del getto d'acqua in uscita genera una forza uguale e contraria sul sprayer, che ruoterà

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic thrust: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP2822441B1Device for moving washing impellers for washing and/or drying devices
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 BITRON SPA
  • EP2822441B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2822441B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2822441B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A device for moving at least one rotary sprayer 5 for washing or drying appliances, which is adapted to rotate about a first axis "R". The movement device comprises an arm 3 enabled to rotate about a second axis "Z", on which said rotary sprayer 5 is rotatably mounted; at least one actuating device 2, adapted to rotate said arm 3 about said second axis Z. Said arm is adapted to rotate by 360°, is asymmetric, and comprises a single rotary sprayer 5 mounted in the proximity of a peripheral portion of the same arm 3. Said actuating device 2, connected at a coupling portion 32 of the arm 3, selectively rotates the same arm 3 in order to position said rotary sprayer 5 at desired angles of rotation of the arm 3 about said second axis "Z".