Static Jet Assembly for Targeted Flatware Cleaning in Dishwashers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashing appliances often neglect small items like flatware and can block wash fluid from reaching large items due to the circular spray pattern of traditional spray arms, leading to inadequate cleaning in certain areas of the wash chamber.

Innovation Solution

A static jet assembly is introduced within the dishwashing appliance, which includes a static body with a fluid conduit and jet apertures to direct a focused spray of wash fluid to predetermined locations, such as a basket for holding small items, ensuring thorough cleaning without interfering with the existing spray arm system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spray arms with circular spray pattern are used, then wash fluid coverage is provided across the entire wash chamber, but certain areas and articles (such as small items in baskets) are neglected and receive inadequate cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness for small items

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spray system is divided into multiple independent spray assemblies, each responsible for specific zones within the wash chamber. The first spray assembly targets the rear portion while the second spray assembly targets the front portion, ensuring comprehensive coverage including areas that would be neglected by a single circular spray arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different spray assemblies are configured with different spray patterns and orientations tailored to their specific zones. The spray assemblies include spray arms with nozzles arranged to direct wash fluid onto specific areas such as baskets containing small items, providing localized cleaning effectiveness rather than uniform circular coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If spray arms are positioned to cover large items, then coverage area is maximized, but small items like flatware within baskets are largely neglected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewash chamber coverage areaVSAvoidcleaning precision for small items

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spray system is segmented into multiple spray assemblies positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows one assembly to cover large items while another assembly specifically targets small items in baskets, achieving both broad coverage and precise cleaning for small objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spray assemblies are positioned in three-dimensional space at different heights, angles, and locations within the wash chamber. This spatial arrangement allows wash fluid to reach small items in baskets from multiple dimensions, ensuring thorough cleaning while maintaining coverage of large items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single spray arm system is used, then device complexity is minimized, but cleaning effectiveness for predetermined locations (such as baskets) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray system complexityVSAvoidcleaning reliability for specific areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spray system is divided into multiple independent spray assemblies, each with its own spray arms and nozzles configured for specific zones. This segmentation improves cleaning reliability for predetermined locations like baskets while keeping each individual spray assembly relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 static jet assembly provides targeted cleaning for small items within baskets, enhancing the overall cleaning efficiency by ensuring all areas of the wash chamber receive adequate wash fluid, even when traditional spray arms may miss these areas.

Implementation Method 1

The pump may be configured to deliver a wash fluid into the wash chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The static body may define an interior passage and a jet aperture in fluid communication with the pump. The jet aperture may be defined in fluid communication between the interior passage and the wash chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS10349808B2Dishwashing appliance having a static jet assembly

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A dishwashing appliance having a static jet assembly is provided herein. The dishwashing appliance may include a tub defining a wash chamber, a pump, and a spray assembly. The pump may be configured to deliver a wash fluid into the wash chamber. The spray assembly may be housed within the wash chamber of the tub in fluid communication with the pump to receive wash fluid therefrom. The static jet assembly may be disposed within the wash chamber and include a static body. The static body may extend about an exterior hole. The static body may define an interior passage and a jet aperture in fluid communication with the pump. The jet aperture may be defined in fluid communication between the interior passage and the wash chamber.