Washing system for cleaning items to be cleaned

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing systems in dishwashers often face issues with dirt particles getting stuck in nozzle openings, leading to inadequate cleaning results and complex maintenance processes, including the risk of the cleaning opening remaining open or being lost, which can render the dishwasher inoperable.

Innovation Solution

A washing system with a self-closing cleaning opening mechanism, featuring a resilient closure element that automatically seals the cleaning opening during operation and can be easily opened for maintenance, ensuring efficient rinsing and preventing dirt accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a cleaning opening is provided in the washing system for rinsing dirt particles, then maintenance and cleaning become easier, but the cleaning opening may remain accidentally open or be lost, rendering the dishwasher inoperable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning of nozzleVSAvoidoperational capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element is designed to close the cleaning opening automatically without requiring manual intervention. The resilient nature of the closure element allows it to return to the closed position by itself after being opened, ensuring the opening is properly sealed without relying on user memory or attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simple resilient closure element that uses elastic deformation to achieve automatic closing. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate latch mechanisms while ensuring reliable closure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a closure element is used to seal the cleaning opening, then the opening remains sealed during operation, but the closure element may be lost or inadvertently left open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing of cleaning openingVSAvoidaccess to cleaning opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element automatically returns to the closed position through its resilient properties, eliminating the need for manual closing operations. The system serves itself by using the elastic recovery of the closure element to ensure proper sealing without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closure element transitions between dynamic states (open and closed) based on operational needs. During maintenance, it can be easily opened, and during normal operation, it automatically returns to the closed position, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the cleaning opening is always accessible, then maintenance is simplified, but dirt particles can enter the interior of the washing system during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidcontamination of washing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element provides automatic protection by closing the cleaning opening without requiring manual operation. The resilient closure element ensures the opening is sealed during normal operation, preventing contamination while requiring no active management from the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closure element acts as an intermediary between the cleaning opening and the interior of the washing system. It provides a physical barrier that prevents dirt particles from entering while allowing controlled access during maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 self-closing closure element simplifies maintenance by allowing easy access for rinsing while preventing accidental opening and ensuring the cleaning opening remains sealed during operation, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the washing process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one self-closing closure element for closing the cleaning opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3742952B1Washing system for cleaning items to be cleaned
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 MEIKO MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3742952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742952B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention proposes a washing system (111) for cleaning items (112) to be cleaned, in particular a washing arm (146) for use in a cleaning device (110) such as, for example, a dishwashing machine. The washing system (111) comprises: - at least one housing (164) having at least one inlet (148) for supplying cleaning fluid to the washing system (111) and at least one nozzle opening (174) formed in the housing (164) and fluidically connected to the inlet (148); - at least one cleaning opening (150) formed in the housing (164); and - at least one self-closing closing element (152) for closing the cleaning opening (150).