Wall-Mounted Rotatable Conduit for Targeted Dishwasher Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm systems waste resources by evenly distributing wash fluid across all areas, leading to inefficient cleaning, particularly in corners of the tub, and generate unnecessary noise due to uncontrolled spray direction.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher featuring a rotatable conduit supported in a cantilevered fashion on the tub wall with a shoulder to prevent axial movement, incorporating a bearing arrangement and a valve system to control fluid flow based on rotational position, allowing precise fluid direction and focused cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If spray arms are used to distribute wash fluid evenly across all areas, then all areas receive wash fluid coverage, but resources such as time, energy and water are wasted because wash fluid cannot be focused precisely where it is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system transitions from uniform spray distribution to localized targeted spraying. The rotatable conduit with selectively positionable spray jets directs wash fluid precisely to specific areas (such as corners) only when needed, rather than evenly distributing fluid across all areas continuously. This localizes the cleaning action to where it is most needed, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining or improving cleaning effectiveness in critical zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system becomes dynamic through the rotatable conduit that can change the direction and position of spray jets during the wash cycle. Instead of fixed spray arms rotating in a circular path, the conduit can be rotated to different angular positions to target specific areas. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt spray distribution to the actual cleaning needs at different times during the wash cycle, optimizing resource usage.
2Ease of operation
If spray arms follow a generally circular path, then spray coverage is distributed uniformly, but the corners of a tub may not be covered as thoroughly, leading to lower cleaning performance for utensils located in the corners of a rack
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system breaks the symmetric circular spray pattern of traditional spray arms by using a rotatable conduit that can be positioned at asymmetric angles. This allows the spray jets to be directed specifically toward corner areas that would otherwise be poorly served by uniform circular rotation. The asymmetric positioning enables targeted coverage of difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining efficient use of wash fluid.
3Device complexity
If spray jets are directed to the sides of a wash tub during rotation, then spray arm rotation is simple, but unneeded noise is generated during a wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system uses dynamic control of the rotatable conduit to adjust spray jet direction based on operational needs. Instead of continuous rotation that may direct jets toward tub sides, the conduit can be positioned and held at optimal angles that direct spray toward utensils while avoiding contact with tub walls. This dynamic positioning reduces unnecessary noise while maintaining system simplicity through a single rotatable component.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, dishwasher sprayer, and method for assembling the same utilize a rotatable conduit that is supported in a cantilevered fashion on a wash tub wall of the dishwasher. The rotatable conduit may be supported within a conduit support and may project through an aperture in the conduit support, and may include a shoulder portion that inhibits axial movement of the rotatable conduit within the conduit support.