Variable Position Diverter for Dishwasher Spray Assembly Flow Control
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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 attempting to meet energy and water usage regulations.
Innovation Solution
A variable position diverter with a housing and a rotatable valve disk having four apertures, allowing selective alignment with fluid outlets to control flow to multiple spray assemblies, reducing cycle time and improving wash performance while meeting regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional diverter is used to control fluid flow to spray assemblies, then water usage can be reduced to meet regulations, but cycle time increases and wash performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable diverter valve that can be positioned at multiple angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°) to continuously vary fluid flow distribution. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to optimize between water conservation and wash performance/cycle time by selecting appropriate valve positions for different washing scenarios, rather than being locked into fixed flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter valve's angular position serves as a controllable parameter that directly changes the flow distribution characteristics. By adjusting the valve angle parameter, the system can modify the split ratio of fluid flow between different spray assemblies, enabling flexible trade-offs between water usage efficiency and washing effectiveness without requiring multiple fixed diverter configurations.
2Loss of substance
If a conventional diverter is used to control fluid flow, then water usage can be regulated, but versatility in selecting different flow combinations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The continuously adjustable diverter valve provides dynamic flow path configuration, enabling the system to adapt to various washing needs. Unlike fixed-position diverters that offer only discrete flow combinations, this dynamic valve can be positioned at any angle within its range, creating infinitely variable flow split ratios and enabling versatile adaptation to different rack configurations, soil levels, and water availability conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single diverter valve mechanism serves multiple functions by controlling fluid distribution to different spray assemblies in various proportions. It can prioritize water-saving modes when appropriate, or switch to performance-optimized modes when needed, making the system universally adaptable to diverse operating conditions and washing scenarios without requiring multiple specialized diverter devices.
3Loss of substance
If only one spray assembly is operated at a time to reduce water usage, then water consumption decreases, but total cycle time must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve angle parameter controls the flow distribution ratio between spray assemblies. By adjusting this parameter, the system can transition between single-spray-mode (water-saving) and multi-spray-mode (higher throughput), or use intermediate positions to run multiple sprays at reduced flow rates, thereby optimizing the balance between water consumption and wash productivity based on actual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamically positionable diverter enables real-time switching between different spray operation modes. The system can adaptively change flow distribution during the washing cycle, allowing sequences that combine water-saving single-spray periods with higher-productivity multi-spray periods, thereby improving overall throughput without proportionally increasing water consumption.
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 diverter provides reliable and versatile fluid flow combinations, reducing cycle time and enhancing wash performance while adhering to water usage regulations, thus improving user satisfaction and compliance.
Implementation Method 1
The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet 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 a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a valve disk having four apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet 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.