Water Distribution Mechanism With Venturi Sealing for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water diverters in household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, face challenges in effectively sealing transitions between rotatable fluid distributor bodies and fluid discharge lines, leading to pressure loss and potential fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fluid distributor body with funnel-shaped through-openings that utilize the Venturi effect to reduce pressure at the transition area, eliminating the need for mechanical sealing elements and minimizing pressure loss by aligning fluid flow directions axially through the distributor body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical sealing device is used to seal the transition area between the rotatable fluid distributor body and fluid discharge lines, then sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases and pressure loss occurs due to deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical sealing device from the system entirely. Instead of adding a sealing mechanism, the invention uses the fluid pressure itself to create the sealing effect through the Venturi effect, thereby extracting the harmful mechanical sealing component while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealing system with a fluid dynamic sealing system. The Venturi effect creates a low-pressure zone that prevents fluid leakage without mechanical contact, substituting mechanical sealing with a pressure-based sealing mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a swivel pipe or rotary valve is used to distribute water, then fluid distribution is achieved, but pressure loss occurs due to flow deflection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a swivel pipe that deflects flow, the patent inverts the approach by using through-openings that maintain axial flow alignment. The fluid distributor body rotates to present different through-openings to the fluid discharge lines, but the flow itself remains axially aligned, avoiding deflection losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a swivel pipe mechanism (one-dimensional rotation) to a flat rotating disk with multiple through-openings (two-dimensional arrangement). This allows multiple fluid discharge lines to be connected simultaneously while maintaining axial flow alignment, reducing pressure loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known water diverters are used, then fluid switching is achieved, but sealing through-openings in a flat rotating disk is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The through-openings themselves provide the sealing function through the Venturi effect. The fluid flowing through the openings creates a low-pressure zone that prevents leakage, making the openings self-sealing without requiring external sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter within the through-openings by utilizing the Venturi effect. The geometry of the openings creates a pressure differential that enables sealing, transforming the pressure distribution to achieve the sealing function.
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
This solution ensures reliable sealing of the transition area, reduces fluid pressure loss, and allows for a lower-power feed pump motor, enhancing the efficiency of fluid distribution while preventing leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the through-openings are designed in a funnel-shaped manner for sealing purposes in such a way that the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the transition area between the outlet side of the respective through-opening and the entry area into the respective fluid discharge line is lower than the pressure in the ambient area surrounding the relevant transition area
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water-carrying domestic appliance (GS), especially a dishwasher or washer, which comprises at least one water-distribution mechanism (WW) having at least one adjustable fluid distribution element to which a fluid to be carried off optionally through one or more fluid discharge lines (AR1, AR2, AR3) can be fed from a fluid feed line. The invention is characterized in that the fluid distribution element has a plurality of passages (DO1 to DO7) that are funnel-shaped, for the purpose of sealing, to such an extent that the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the transition section (at DU) between the outlet side of the respective passage (DO1 to DO7) and the inlet section into the respective fluid discharge line (AR1, AR2, AR3) is lower than the pressure in the section surrounding the corresponding transition section (at DU).