Variable position diverter for an appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diverters in dishwashers lack versatility in controlling fluid flow to multiple spray assemblies, leading to increased cycle times and poor user experience, while also failing to optimize water usage according to government regulations.
Innovation Solution
A variable position diverter with a housing and valve disk that can rotate to align apertures with outlet ports, allowing for selective control of fluid flow to multiple spray assemblies, reducing cycle time and improving wash performance while meeting water usage regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional diverter is used to control fluid flow to spray assemblies, then water usage can be reduced to meet government regulations, but the diverter lacks versatility in selecting different flow combinations which increases cycle time and leads to poor consumer perception
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disk is made rotatable to allow dynamic reconfiguration of fluid flow paths. The positioning assembly enables the valve disk to be rotated to different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°), dynamically changing which spray assemblies receive fluid flow. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing versatility in flow combinations while maintaining efficient cycle times through optimized spray patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of valve disk angular position to control fluid flow distribution. By rotating the valve disk to specific angular positions, different combinations of spray assemblies are activated. This parameter change enables versatile flow configurations that can be optimized for different washing needs, resolving the contradiction between versatility and cycle time efficiency.
2Loss of substance
If only one spray assembly is run at a time to decrease water usage, then water consumption is reduced to meet regulations, but the total cycle time must increase to maintain wash performance
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable valve disk enables dynamic switching between different spray assembly configurations. Instead of running only one spray assembly at a time, the system can dynamically configure multiple spray assemblies to operate simultaneously or sequentially based on the valve disk position, reducing both water usage and cycle time through optimized flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve disk controls fluid flow to multiple spray assemblies (first, second, third, and fourth), making the diverter system multi-functional. One valve disk position can activate different combinations of spray assemblies, providing universal control that optimizes both water usage and cycle time by selecting the most efficient spray configuration for each washing phase.
3Productivity
If multiple spray assemblies are run simultaneously to reduce cycle time, then wash performance is improved, but water consumption increases beyond government regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disk angular position parameter is used to control the number and configuration of active spray assemblies. By adjusting this parameter, the system can optimize the balance between productivity (wash performance) and water usage, selecting configurations that provide sufficient washing power while staying within regulatory water consumption limits.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spray assemblies are activated based on local washing needs. The valve disk positioning assembly enables selective activation of specific spray assemblies (first, second, third, or fourth) corresponding to different rack positions or washing zones, providing localized quality control that improves wash performance where needed while conserving water in areas requiring less attention.
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 variable position diverter enhances wash performance, reduces cycle time, and provides versatile flow combinations, improving user satisfaction while adhering to water usage regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the three apertures with one or more of the four fluid outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having four fluid outlet ports, and a valve disk having a three apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the three apertures with one or more of the four fluid outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.