A dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pump dishwashers face inefficiencies in energy consumption and drying performance, particularly when ambient air temperature is insufficient, leading to suboptimal washing and drying outcomes.

Innovation Solution

The dishwasher incorporates a heat pump system with a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a compressor, where a water pipe circulates water through the first heat exchanger, enhanced by fins for increased heat absorption, and aided by a fan for forced convection and heaters to boost water temperature, along with heat insulating materials to maintain temperature, optimizing heat transfer from the environment to the washing water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an air type evaporator is used to absorb heat from ambient air, then the evaporator can operate without water, but the heating efficiency decreases when ambient air temperature is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaporator operation capabilityVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The evaporator is divided into two independent types: water-type evaporator and air-type evaporator. The system can select which type to use based on ambient conditions, allowing each segment to excel in its optimal operating scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between water-type and air-type evaporators based on ambient air temperature conditions. When ambient temperature is sufficient, the air-type evaporator is used; when insufficient, the water-type evaporator is activated to maintain heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If a heat pump system is used to heat washing liquid, then energy consumption decreases, but drying performance becomes insufficient when ambient temperature is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddrying performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operating parameters of the heat pump based on ambient temperature. When ambient temperature is low, the system adjusts by using the water-type evaporator with higher heat absorption capacity, and may activate supplementary heating to maintain the required temperature for effective drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the evaporator absorbs heat from ambient air, then the system structure is simplified, but the washing and drying performance decreases when ambient air temperature is not sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidwashing and drying performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaporator system is segmented into water-type and air-type configurations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple structure by using the air-type evaporator under normal conditions, while switching to the water-type evaporator only when performance requirements demand it due to low ambient temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration reduces energy consumption and enhances drying performance by efficiently heating washing water using ambient heat, achieving faster heating and improved drying results while maintaining energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat exchanger (5) enabling the water to be used in the washing step to be heated by drawing heat from the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption from environment: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The first heat exchanger enables the water used in the washing process to be heated by absorbing heat from the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a second heat exchanger (6) transferring the heat received from the first heat exchanger (5) to the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the compressor (7) fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger (5) and the second heat exchanger (6) so as to realize the refrigerant cycle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefrigerant cycle: Compression

Implementation Method 5

the dishwasher comprises a plurality of fins arranged on the first heat exchanger and the water pipe arranged in the vicinity of the fins. By means of the fins, the surface area of the first heat exchanger is increased and more heat is enabled to be absorbed from the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface area increase for heat exchange: Convection

Implementation Method 6

the dishwasher comprises a fan that enables the ambient air and the hot air generated around the water pipe to be delivered to the fins. The ambient air is blown towards the fins by means of the fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 7

the dishwasher comprises a first heater that enables the water tank to be heated. The first heater is arranged in the water tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 8

the dishwasher comprises the water pipe that is provided with heat insulating materials. Thus, the water moving from the water tank towards the first heat exchanger is prevented from cooling down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3609382B1A dishwasher
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3609382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) arranged in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; at least one water tank (4) arranged between the washing tub (3) and the body (2) and wherein the excess water (S) is collected; and a heat pump (8) that is arranged under the washing tank (3) and that has a first heat exchanger (5) enabling the water to be used in the washing step to be heated by drawing heat from the environment, a second heat exchanger (6) transferring the heat received from the first heat exchanger (5) to the washing water and a compressor (7) fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger (5) and the second heat exchanger (6) so as to realize the refrigerant cycle.