Patent Publication Number: US-11389043-B2

Title: Dishwasher spray arm assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national stage application filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2017/077876 filed Oct. 31, 2017, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to appliances, such as dishwashers, that have rotating spray arms including spray nozzles. In particular, the present invention relates to a satellite spray arm for a dishwasher having a compact form factor. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Today&#39;s dishwashers are expected to perform high quality wash of dishware while being efficient in their use of energy and water during operation. A dishwasher usually comprises a washing chamber in which an upper rack, a middle rack, and/or a lower rack for accommodating items to be washed are arranged. In some modern dishwashers it is possible to adjust one or more of the racks in height to adapt the rack to different sizes of dishes. Further, a dishwasher usually comprises an upper spray arm, a middle spray arm, and/or a lower spray arm. The upper spray arm may be attached to an upper rack, the middle spray arm may be attached to the middle rack, and the lower spray arm may be attached to a lower rack. If a spray arm is attached to a height adjustable rack, the relationship between spray nozzles located on the spray arm and other elements within the dishwasher (e.g., the corners of the rack, the detergent dispenser, and/or the like) will change when the height of rack is changed. 
     A primary desirable characteristic of a dishwasher is the volume of dishes, cutlery, or the like that can be washed simultaneously such that the interior volume of a dishwasher includes valuable space that must be used efficiently for maximum capacity. However, an increased volume of articles to be washed poses a challenge for thoroughly and efficiently washing each article as articles within the dishwasher may compromise and block spray patterns within the dishwasher that are necessary to thoroughly wash the articles. Thus, there is a need to develop features that enhance the washing efficiency of a dishwasher while minimizing intrusion into areas configured to receive articles to be washed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention address the above by providing a spray arm assembly having a vertically compact form factor. Example embodiments of such a spray arm assembly may include a water supply conduit, a main spray arm, and a satellite spray arm. The main spray arm may be rotatably coupled to the water supply conduit, where the main spray arm is configured to rotate about a first, substantially vertical axis. The satellite spray arm is rotatably coupled to the main spray arm, where the satellite spray arm is configured to rotate about a second axis that is spaced from the first axis. The satellite spray arm may define at least one nozzle and at least one fluid channel extending from the second axis to the at least one nozzle. The at least one fluid channel of the satellite spray arm may define an arcuate shape having a first elevation relative to the main spray arm proximate the second axis and a second, lower elevation relative to the main spray arm proximate the at least one nozzle. 
     Embodiments of the spray arm assembly may include a satellite spray arm that defines at least two nozzles disposed on opposite sides of the second axis and configured to direct spray away from the main spray arm. The at least one channel of the satellite spray arm may define a figure-eight, where a center of the figure eight is disposed at the second axis, and the at least two nozzles are disposed on opposite extremities of the figure eight. The second axis may be angled relative to the first axis between about two degrees and about eight degrees, and may be angled at four degrees relative to the substantially vertical first axis. 
     According to some embodiments, the at least one nozzle of the satellite spray arm is positioned below a fluid inlet to the satellite spray arm during at least a portion of a rotation of the at least one nozzle about the second axis. The main spray arm may include a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is disposed on a first side of the first axis, and the second portion is disposed on a second side of the first axis, opposite the first. The first portion of the main spray arm may define a thickness, where the second portion of the main spray arm defines a second thickness, less than the first thickness, and where the satellite spray arm is coupled to the second portion. 
     The main spray arm of some example embodiments may include at least one nozzle configured to direct fluid in a direction that causes rotation of the main spray arm about the first axis, and where the satellite spray arm includes at least one nozzle configured to direct fluid in a direction that causes rotation of the satellite spray arm about the second axis. The satellite spray arm may include an outer ring forming a circle in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The satellite spray arm may include a main body having a first thickness proximate the second axis, and a second, smaller thickness proximate the outer ring, where the thickness tapers from the first thickness to the second thickness. 
     According to some embodiments, the main spray arm may include a hub into which a neck of the satellite spray arm is received, where the fluid is transmitted from the main spray arm to the satellite spray arm through the hub and the neck. The spray arm assembly may be suspended from a wash rack of a dishwasher through an attachment between the water conduit supply and the wash rack. The satellite spray arm may define a fluid inlet, where each of the at least one nozzles includes a pair of separate fluid passageways leading from the fluid inlet to the respective nozzle. The satellite spray arm may include an outer ring forming a circle about the second axis, where at least one aperture may be defined through the satellite spray arm within the outer ring. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described embodiments of invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dishwasher of a type suitable for use with various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a spray arm assembly including a main spray arm and a satellite spray arm according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side profile view of a spray arm assembly having a vertically compact form factor according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is another side profile view of a spray arm assembly having a vertically compact form factor according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a satellite spray arm according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of a satellite spray arm along the section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a bottom portion of a satellite spray arm separated from a top part according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts the top portion of a satellite spray arm separated from the bottom part according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a section view of a satellite spray arm according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  depicts a flow diagram of fluid flow through a main spray arm and through the satellite spray arm according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention or inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term “or” (also designated as“/”) is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “generally” refer to within manufacturing and/or engineering tolerances for the corresponding materials and/or elements, unless otherwise indicated. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Overview of an Example Dishwasher 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a dishwasher  10  capable of implementing various embodiments of the present invention. Such a dishwasher  10  typically includes a tub  12  (partly cut away in  FIG. 1  to show internal details), having a plurality of walls (e.g., side wall  13 ) for forming an enclosure or washing chamber in which dishes, utensils, and other dishware may be placed for washing. A door  18  may be pivotably engaged (e.g., about a hinge) with the tub  12  to selectively permit access to the interior of the tub  12 . For example, the door  18  may comprise an open configuration and a closed configuration, such that the door  18  may at least substantially seal the forward access opening of the tub  12  in the closed configuration. 
     The door  18  may comprise an inner surface that acts as a wall of the tub  12  when the door  18  is in the closed position. A detergent dispenser  45  may be disposed on and/or embedded in the inner surface of the door  18 . A user of the dishwasher  10  may provide detergent into the detergent dispenser  45  before starting a dishwashing program such that the detergent may be provided to the wash water within tub during a pre-wash and/or wash cycle of the dishwashing program. In an example embodiment, the detergent dispenser  45  comprises a hinged door that the user closes before starting the dishwashing program and that is electro-mechanically opened during a wash cycle of the dishwashing program by a controller  40 , and/or the like. 
     The tub  12  may include a sump  14  in which wash water or rinse water is collected, typically under the influence of gravity. The wash/rinse water may be pumped by a circulation pump  50  to one or more spray arms (e.g., lower spray arm  25 , middle spray arm  20 ) mounted in the interior of the tub  12  (e.g., mounted to a lower or middle rack which is not shown or mounted to a wall  13  of the tub  12 ) for spraying the wash/rinse water, under pressure, onto the dishes, utensils, and other dishware contained therein. For example, the circulation pump  50  may be configured to pump wash water through a circulation hose  26  to the middle spray arm  20  for spraying into the tub  12 , such as through one or more spray nozzles located on the middle spray arm  20 . The dishwasher may also include an upper spray arm (not shown) disposed proximate the top of the tub  12  and configured to spray downwardly towards an upper rack and/or the middle rack. 
     The dishwasher  10  may also include a controller  40  that may be in communication with one or more of the operational components of the dishwasher  10 . For example, the controller  40  may be in communication with the circulation pump  50  and may be configured to selectively operate the circulation pump  50  to pump wash water to at least one spray arm and/or spray nozzle. In some embodiments, the controller  40  may be in communication with the detergent dispenser to release the detergent at a predetermined time during a dishwasher program cycle. In another example, the controller  40  may be in communication with the water inflow system (not shown) configured to provide water to the dishwasher  10 . In various embodiments, the controller  40  may be in communication with a drain pump  42  configured to pump wash fluid out of the dishwasher  10  via drain pipe  23 . In some embodiments, the controller  40  may comprise a processor and/or other computing means such that operations can be performed in the dishwasher. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  40  may comprise a memory (e.g., volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory) for storage of data and/or executable instructions such as routines for operation of the dishwasher. In some embodiments, the controller  40  may further comprise a communications interface for communicating with various elements of the dishwasher  10  (e.g., circulation pump  50 , a door sensor, user interface sensor, and/or the like) or for communicating with one or more computing devices via a wired or wireless network (e.g., the Internet, a local Wi-Fi network, and/or the like). In some embodiments, the controller  40  may comprise a mechanical timer in addition to or in place of a processor. In some embodiments, the controller  40  may be housed in the lower end  22  of the dishwasher  10  beneath the tub  12 . 
     The dishwasher  10  may also include at least one dish rack  30 ,  35  for holding the dishes, utensils, dishware, or other articles to be washed. The dish rack  30 ,  35  can be positioned within the tub  12  to hold dishware for cleaning, such as through wash water that is sprayed onto the dishware from the spray arms and/or spray nozzles. For example, in one example embodiment, middle spray arm  20  may be secured to the underside of an upper or middle rack  30  configured for holding dishes, utensils, and/or dishware. In various embodiments, one or more of the dish racks  30 ,  35  may be height adjustable. For example, the middle rack  30  may be adjustable between a first position and a second position, such that when the middle rack  30  is in the first position, the distance between the middle rack  30  and the lower rack  35  is a greater distance than when the middle rack  30  is in the second position. 
     In an example embodiment, the middle spray arm  20  may be coupled to a fluid conduit  300  (see  FIG. 2 ). For example, the middle spray arm  20  may be rotatably coupled and/or attached to the fluid conduit  300 . In some embodiments, the fluid conduit  300  is coupled and/or attached to a corresponding dish rack  30 . For example, in an example embodiment, the fluid conduit  300  may be coupled to a height adjustable dish rack  30  and may move when the dish rack  30  is adjusted between a first position and/or height and a second position and/or height. In an example embodiment, the fluid conduit comprises a flexible coupling on an end of the fluid conduit that is opposite the spray arm  20  that is configured to engage the water circulation hose  26  at various heights and/or positions. For example, the fluid conduit  300  comprises a flexible coupling configured to engage the water circulation hose  26  when the height adjustable dish rack  30  is in the first position and/or height and when the height adjustable dish rack  30  is in the second position and/or height. 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to a spray arm assembly that includes a main spray arm and a satellite spray arm coupled there to. While the configuration described herein may be used in the position of any spray arm within a dishwasher (e.g., top, middle, bottom, etc.), embodiments described herein will generally refer to a spray arm disposed in the middle of the dishwasher relative to the height of the tub, configured to spray primarily upwardly toward articles to be washed on a rack above the spray arm. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the spray arm  20  is positioned as a middle spray arm disposed beneath the dish rack  30  and above dish rack  35 . As the spray arm  20  is disposed within the tub  13  at a position proximate to where dishes and articles to be washed will be loaded, it is desirable that the spray arm  20  be configured in a vertically compact form factor, while still being able to perform the function of spraying the articles to be washed effectively. While a compact form factor may be readily achieved when using a single spray arm, a single spray arm may not be as effective as a spray arm assembly that includes both a main spray arm and a satellite spray arm. The benefit of including a main spray arm and a satellite spray arm may include that a broader spray pattern may be achieved by the spray arm assembly, and the angle of impingement of water from the spray arm assembly may be varied by the satellite spray arm in a manner that is not achieved using only a single spray arm. However, a spray arm assembly including a main spray arm and a satellite spray arm necessitates greater complexity of assembly than a single spray arm, and typically occupies considerably more space, particularly in the vertical direction, than a single spray arm. Provided herein is a spray arm assembly that achieves benefits of a spray arm assembly including a main spray arm and a satellite spray arm, and further does so in a vertically compact form factor with an arrangement that improves the efficiency of washing the contents of the tub of the dishwasher. 
     Exemplary Spray Arm 
     Example embodiments provide a spray arm assembly as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example an assembly for a middle spray arm  20 , having a satellite spray arm  285 . In an example embodiment, the spray arm assembly may be a bottom spray arm (e.g., coupled to an bottom dish rack or the bottom of the tub), middle spray arm (e.g., coupled to a middle dish rack), a spray arm located above the lower rack (e.g., coupled to an upper or middle dish rack), and/or the like.  FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of an example spray arm assembly  20  having a main spray arm  200  and a satellite spray arm  285 . Fluid is supplied to the spray arm assembly  20  via water conduit  300 . The water conduit  300  is configured to receive washing liquid (e.g., wash and/or rinse water) from the water circulation hose  26  and provide the washing liquid to the spray arm assembly  20 . For example, when the circulation pump  50  is operated, the circulation pump  50  may pump the washing liquid through the water circulation hose  26  to the water conduit  300 . In the depicted embodiment, the spray arm assembly  20  is rotatably mounted on, coupled to, attached to, and/or the like the water conduit  300  and the water conduit may be mounted to a dish rack  30 , which may be height adjustable, via a mounting element  315 . In an example embodiment, the spray arm assembly  20  is mounted to a wall  13  of the tub  12  in a height adjustable manner (e.g., via the water conduit  300 ). 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the spray arm assembly  20  is mounted to the water conduit  300  at mounting point  290 . Generally, mounting point  290  is configured to conduct water from the water conduit to one or more water channels within the main spray arm  200 . Generally, the main spray arm  200  is configured to rotate about the mounting point  290 . In an example embodiment, the main spray arm  200  comprises a driving side  205  and a satellite spray arm  285  mounted to a satellite side  280  of the main spray arm  200 . In an example embodiment, the satellite spray arm  285  may comprise a plurality of nozzles configures to spray jets of washing liquid onto dishes, utensils, and/or dishware within the dishwasher. For example, the satellite spray arm  285  may be similar to the second spray arm described in Intl. Appl. No. PCT/EP2016/066289, filed Jul. 8, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The driving side  205  and satellite side  280  of the main spray arm  200  may share a common axis along the length of main spray arm  200 . However, the driving side  205  and the satellite side  280  extend in generally opposite directions from central rotation axis through the mounting point  290 . 
     The driving side  205  of the main spray arm  200  may optionally include one or more nozzles configured to spray washing fluid onto the contents of the dish rack to which the spray arm assembly is mounted at  315  and/or spray washing fluid onto the contents of a rack disposed below the spray arm assembly  20 . However, the driving side  205  of the main spray arm  200  may also include a driving nozzle  210  that emits a spray of washing fluid in a manner that causes a reactive force on the main spray arm  200  to rotate the main spray arm  200  about the mounting point  290 . The driving nozzle  210  may function as both a spray nozzle for directing wash fluid onto articles to be cleaned while simultaneously providing the force necessary to cause rotation of the main spray arm  200 . The wash fluid may exit the driving nozzle  210  in any of a variety of spray patters, such as a fan spray pattern, a jet spray (e.g., a single, focused stream), a broad, circular spray pattern, or the like. However, the general angle at which the wash fluid exits the driving nozzle may be in a direction that causes rotation of the main spray arm  200 . The general direction or angle of exit of the wash fluid from the driving nozzle  210  may be configured to effect a specific rotational speed of the main spray arm  200  when the pump is operating in a washing or rinsing mode, and the size of the nozzle may be configured to result in such a rotational speed. The driving nozzle may be adjustable or replaceable in order to accommodate different angles or flow rates in order to achieve an ideal rotational speed of the main spray arm  200  in different settings or scenarios, such as if a dishwasher pump is designed to use less water with lower flow, the pressure may be increased through a narrower nozzle outlet to compensate for the lower flow. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side-view of the wash arm assembly  20  of  FIG. 2  including the water conduit  300 , main wash arm  200  having the driving side  205  and the satellite side  280 , upon which satellite spray arm  285  is mounted. As shown, the driving side of the main wash arm is of a first thickness in the vertical direction of the dishwasher. While a conventional spray arm may have a total length extending on both sides of the mounting point  290  with a uniform thickness, embodiments described herein include a spray arm assembly  20  having a compact form factor in the vertical direction (e.g., along or parallel to the axis of rotation of the main spray arm  200  through mounting point  290 ) to maximize the available area within the tub of the dishwasher to accommodate articles to be washed, such as dishes. In order to accommodate the satellite arm  285  within a vertically compact form factor, the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm  200  is of a second thickness, less than the first thickness of the driving portion  205  of the main spray arm  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the satellite spray arm  285  is mounted to the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm  200 . The method of attachment will be described further below; however, the attachment allows the satellite spray arm  285  to rotate relative to the main spray arm  200  about an axis, shown as Axis  505  in  FIG. 3 , while allowing fluid flow from the water supply  300 , through the mounting point  290  into the main spray arm  200 , through the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm, and into the satellite spray arm  285 . While the axis of rotation  505  of the satellite spray arm may be vertical and parallel to the axis of rotation of the main spray arm  200  through mounting point  290 , imparting an angle between the axis of rotation  505  and the vertical enables a yet more compact vertical form factor for the spray arm assembly  20 . The angle α allows a lower relative mounting point between the satellite spray arm and the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm  200 . The angle by which the axis  505  is offset relative to the vertical may be configured according to the size and configuration of the dishwasher, but may be between about two degrees and about eight degrees, or in the illustrated configuration at about four degrees.  FIG. 3  illustrates the space-saving configuration of implementing an axis of rotation that is angled relative to a vertical axis of rotation. As shown, a satellite arm using a vertical axis of rotation  310  requires clearance so the satellite spray arm  285  does not interfere with the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm, while an angled axis of rotation  320  allows the satellite spray arm  285  to be mounted lower on the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm, resulting in a reduced overall height demonstrated by line  330 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the side-view of the wash arm assembly  20  as shown in  FIG. 3 ; however, the satellite spray arm  285  is rotated 90-degrees relative to the satellite spray arm  285  of  FIG. 3 . As shown, the satellite spray arm  285  includes nozzles  287  disposed on opposite sides of the satellite spray arm  285  relative to the axis of rotation  505 . The nozzles  287  are depicted as spraying substantially upwardly relative to the satellite spray arm  285 . The angle of the axis of rotation  505  of the satellite spray arm has additional benefits beyond contributing to the vertically compact form factor described above. The angle of the axis of rotation  505  also promotes a wider spray pattern from the satellite spray arm  285  by angling the nozzles  287  relative to the axis of rotation of the main spray arm through mounting point  290  illustrated by vertical axis  507 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 4  is the arcuate shape of the satellite spray arm  285  between the nozzles  287 . This configuration, as described further below, further contributes to the vertically compact form factor of the spray arm assembly  20 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top-view of the satellite spray arm  285  including an outer ring  295 , a main body  297 , and nozzles  287  disposed on opposite ends of the satellite spray arm  285 . The satellite spray arm is configured to rotate about a center of the circular shape relative to the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm. According to the illustrated embodiment, within the outer ring  295  are defined two apertures  296  through the satellite spray arm. These apertures reduce the weight of the satellite spray arm, while enabling the outer ring  295  to be maintained. This circular outer ring  295  defines a path of the satellite spray arm during rotation. Absent this outer ring  295 , articles positioned within the dishwasher for cleaning may obstruct the rotation of the satellite spray arm. Providing a continuous outer ring  295  defines and occupies the path of rotation of the satellite spray arm, reducing the likelihood of articles to be washed interfering with the rotation of the satellite spray arm. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the section view taken along section line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . As shown, the section line bisects the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm. Wash fluid flows from the water conduit  300  through the mounting point  290  into the main spray arm  200 . The main spray arm includes a fluid flow channel therein that supplies the driving nozzle  210  in the driving portion  205  of the main spray arm  200 , and a fluid flow channel that supplies the satellite spray arm  285  through satellite portion  280 . The fluid flows through the satellite portion  280  along the fluid flow channel along arrow  400  to cavity  410 . Cavity  410  encircles a flow director  420  disposed in the middle of the cavity  410  such that fluid flows around the cavity  410  and is directed upward, along arrow w 1  into the satellite spray arm  285 . The satellite spray arm  285  is rotatably mounted to the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm by a low-friction coupling where engagement is maintained between the satellite spray arm  285  and the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm through the forces exerted by the water as it exits the nozzles  287  of the satellite spray arm. The low-friction coupling includes a hub  430  within the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm into which a neck  440  of the satellite spray arm  285  is received. A ridge  450  of the neck  440  at the base of the neck is received into a channel  460  of the collar. A shoulder  470  of the hub  430  is engaged with a collar  480  of the satellite spray arm  480  in a manner that promotes a low-friction engagement while retaining the satellite spray arm  285  to the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm. A flange  445  may be used to retain the satellite spray arm  285  to the satellite portion  280  during fluctuations in fluid flow, during transportation or when handling for example racks in the dishwasher with clips  455 . A fluid flow chamber  500  within the satellite spray arm  285  is in fluid communication with the cavity  410  by way of the path through the neck  440  of the satellite spray arm. 
     The satellite spray arm  285  may, according to some embodiments, include two primary components. A top portion and a bottom portion.  FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom portion  286  of a satellite spray arm  285  according to an example embodiment, where the orifice  284  through the neck of the satellite spray arm is depicted, through which wash fluid enters the satellite spray arm  285 . As described above, the satellite spray arm  285  includes a wash fluid flow channel  288 , a portion of which is formed in the bottom portion  286  of the satellite spray arm  285 . As illustrated, the fluid flow channel generally forms a figure-eight within the main body  297  of the satellite spray arm. The fluid flow channel  288  of the illustrated embodiment is shaded for ease of understanding. As will be detailed below, the top portion of the satellite spray arm cooperates with the bottom part  286  to enclose the fluid flow channel  288  in the figure-eight shape. This enables wash fluid to enter the fluid flow channel  288  through the orifice  284  and fill the fluid flow channel. The fluid flow channel  288  figure-eight shape comprises four separate passageways emanating from the orifice  284 , where two pairs of passageways each meet at a separate nozzle  287 , disposed on opposing sides of the satellite spray arm  285 . 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates a driving nozzle  276 , the nozzle portion of which faces a direction substantially tangential to the circle formed by the satellite spray arm  285 . The driving nozzle  276  may receive fluid from within the figure-eight fluid flow channel  288 , and direct the fluid in a direction substantially tangential to the satellite spray arm  285  in order to provide dynamic force to the satellite spray arm to cause rotation thereof. The driving nozzle  276  may be an optional feature as the nozzles  287  may provide the motivating force for causing rotation of the satellite spray arm  285  by virtue of their angle of spray. For example, one or both of the nozzles  287  may be directed upward relative to the dishwasher, but may also be angled relative to the vertical axis. In an embodiment in which both nozzles  287  are angled relative to the vertical axis, their angle may be opposite relative to one another by virtue of their opposing locations on the satellite spray arm, thus cooperating to provide dynamic force to the satellite spray arm for rotation thereof. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the top portion  283  of the satellite wash arm  285  including the fluid flow channel  289  that cooperates with the fluid flow channel  288  of the bottom portion  286  to enclose the fluid flow channel. Once enclosed, the fluid flow channel has a fluid entrance through orifice  284 , and fluid exits through nozzles  287  disposed at opposite extremities of the figure-eight fluid flow channel  289 . Wash fluid may optionally exit through driving nozzle  276  as described above. As with the driving nozzle  210  discussed above, the nozzles  287  and  276  of the satellite spray arm may be removable/replaceable and/or adjustable to suit different dishwasher configurations, operation conditions, or the like. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the fluid flow channel formed by the top portion  283  and the bottom portion  286 . The cross-section along which  FIG. 9  is taken is shown by section line  9 - 9  of the top-view of the satellite spray arm. The section line follows a portion of the figure-eight channel so as to show the profile of the fluid flow channel  288 . As shown, fluid enters the satellite spray arm along neck  440  from a base  442  of the neck represented by arrow  500 . The fluid flows along arrow  500 , along channel  288 , and exits the spray arm through nozzle  287 . While illustrated only by a single arrow of flow, it is understood that fluid flows through all portions (e.g., all four separate passageways) of the figure-eight channel  288  from the orifice in the neck  440  through to the two nozzles  287  on opposite sides of the satellite spray arm. 
     Importantly,  FIG. 9  illustrates the arcuate nature of the fluid flow channel  288 , where the fluid flow channel enters the channel at the channel&#39;s highest point relative to the body of the satellite spray arm, at a first distance  510  parallel to the second axis  505  relative to the base  442  of the neck  440 , and descends along the arcuate fluid flow channel  288  to nozzles  287 , disposed at a second distance  520  parallel to the second axis  505  relative to the base, where the second distance  520  is shorter than the first distance  510 . This arcuate shape of the fluid flow channel facilitates the curved shape of the satellite spray arm to promote a vertically compact form factor for the spray arm assembly  20 . The arcuate shape of the satellite spray arm, as shown in  FIG. 4 , allows the main spray arm  200  to be more closely coupled to the water supply  300 , thereby shortening the overall height of the spray arm assembly  20 , and increasing the available volume within the dishwasher for contents that are to be washed. As evident in  FIG. 4 , if the satellite spray arm  285  was a uniform thickness from the center to the extremities where the nozzles  287  are positioned, the satellite spray arm  285  would interfere with the water supply  300 . The curved, arcuate shape to the satellite spray arm  285  enables close coupling between the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm  200  in cooperation with the angled axis of rotation of the satellite spray arm  285 , as detailed in  FIG. 3 . 
     The various features described herein cooperate to form a vertically compact form factor for a spray arm assembly  20 . As described above, the short height of the satellite portion  280  of the main spray arm  200 , the arcuate shape of the satellite spray arm  285 , and the angled axis of rotation of the satellite spray arm each cooperate to allow the main spray arm to be close-coupled to the water supply  300 , thereby shortening the overall height of the spray arm assembly  20 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates flow lines for fluid flow through the satellite spray arm  285 . As shown, the fluid flow paths extend through the satellite portion  280  of the spray arm into the cavity at  410 , past the flow director as shown in  FIG. 6  and into the spray arm  285  where it courses through the figure-eight channel of the main body  297  of the satellite spray arm  285 , and exits the satellite spray arm at nozzles  287 . 
     Conclusion 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety of advantageous over traditional arrangements. As noted above, it is desirable to maximize the space inside a dishwasher to accommodate a maximum amount of articles to be washed. It is also desirable to include spray arms within the dishwasher to wash and rinse the articles to be rinsed. Thus, minimizing the space occupied by the spray arms while maintaining sufficient spray arm coverage is a challenge. Embodiments provided herein solve this problem by incorporating a highly-efficient spray arm assembly in a compact form factor to maximize the space available for article to be cleaned while also maximizing the spray coverage provided by spray arms. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.