Compact dishwasher for cleaning a few eating utensils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are inefficient and impractical for washing a small number of utensils, particularly in single-member households or temporary residences, as they require significant setup and resources.
Innovation Solution
A compact dishwasher system with a base, wash container, clean water tank, wastewater tank, and a housing body that allows for easy cleaning and re-filling, featuring pumps for pressurized water and drainage, a cleaning basket, and transparent windows for monitoring the washing process, designed for efficient use with a small load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional dishwasher is used, then washing capacity and automation are improved, but device size and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher is divided into separate functional modules: a removable wash container, a clean water tank, and a wastewater tank. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the system to process small loads efficiently without requiring a large overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a traditional vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal layout where tanks and containers are arranged side-by-side on a base. This dimensional reorganization maximizes space utilization and reduces the device's footprint while maintaining all necessary washing functions.
2Productivity
If a conventional dishwasher is used, then washing efficiency is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate clean and wastewater tanks that allow for partial water reuse and optimized water circulation. The sprayer system delivers water directly to utensils in controlled bursts, using only the necessary amount of water for effective cleaning without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The wastewater tank collects used water for later disposal or potential reuse. The system recovers the separation function by directing wastewater to a dedicated tank, enabling efficient water management and reducing overall consumption through targeted water application and recovery.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact dishwasher is designed, then device size is reduced, but cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wash container, clean water tank, and wastewater tank are designed as separate, freely removable components. This segmentation allows users to easily access and clean the interior surfaces of each tank and container by simply detaching them from the base, maintaining cleaning accessibility despite the compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The tanks and containers are extracted from the housing body as independent removable units. This extraction design provides direct access to all water-contact surfaces for cleaning purposes, eliminating the need to disassemble complex internal structures to reach cleaning areas.
4Volume of stationary object
If a compact dishwasher is designed, then space utilization is improved, but functional completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compact dishwasher integrates multiple functions into a single device: water storage in separate tanks, heating capability, pressurized spraying for washing, wastewater collection and drainage, and air drying. This multi-functionality ensures complete washing capability despite the reduced device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges the water supply system, heating system, washing system, and drainage system into a single integrated compact unit. All essential washing functions are combined in one device, maintaining versatility while minimizing space requirements.
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 system provides a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for washing a few utensils, suitable for single-person households and temporary residences, offering a convenient alternative to traditional dishwashers by minimizing resources and setup time.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump disposed operatively between the wash container and the clean water tank for facilitating pressurized discharge of clean water in the wash container
Implementation Method 2
a water heater tank comprising a heater coil disposed therein, the water heater tank disposed downstream from the first water pump
Implementation Method 3
a water heater tank comprising a heater coil disposed therein
Implementation Method 4
a second pump disposed operatively between the wash container and the wastewater tank for facilitating drainage of wastewater from the wash container into the wastewater tank
Implementation Method 5
at least one sprayer configured for fitment on the nozzle base for spraying water into the wash container for facilitating washing of the utensils placed therewithin
Data Source
AI summary
A compact dishwasher for cleaning a few eating utensils includes a wash container disposed on a base. A clean water tank is disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the wash container for supplying clean water to the wash container. A wastewater tank is disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the wash container for receiving wastewater from the wash container. A housing body encompasses the wash container, the clean water tank, and the wastewater tank. The dishwasher can further comprise a first pump for facilitating pressurized discharge of clean water in the wash container and a second pump disposed for facilitating drainage of wastewater from the wash container into the wastewater tank. A heating coil can be employed to provide hot water to the wash container. The dishwasher can further include a cleaning basket insertable through the top of the dishwasher.