Compact Personal Dishwasher for Single-Dish Washing and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are large, inefficient, and wasteful when used for washing a small number of dishes, requiring significant space, energy, and water, and often result in dish breakage and ineffective washing due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable dishwasher with a washing chamber that allows for manual insertion and removal of dishes, utilizing a fluid dispenser, brushes, steam flow, ultraviolet radiation, and biodegradable chemicals to efficiently wash and dry dishes, with a focus on minimizing space and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional dishwasher is used, then washing capacity is sufficient for large numbers of dishes, but space requirements and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing function into two types: batch washing for multiple dishes and rapid washing for single dishes. The system segments the washing cycle into configurable modes, allowing users to select appropriate washing quantity, thereby reducing energy consumption when washing fewer dishes while maintaining adequate capacity for larger loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher dynamically adjusts its operation based on the number of dishes loaded. The control system modifies washing parameters such as water flow rate, spray intensity, and cycle duration according to the detected dish quantity, enabling energy-efficient operation for small loads while preserving full washing capacity when needed.
2Quantity of substance
If a conventional dishwasher is used, then washing capacity is sufficient for large numbers of dishes, but the device size and floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact, modular design that segments the washing chamber and component layout to maximize space efficiency. The internal components are arranged in a space-optimized configuration that maintains adequate washing capacity for multiple dishes while minimizing the overall footprint and floor space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher utilizes a compact housing design with optimized wall thickness and internal clearances, allowing the washing chamber to accommodate multiple dishes while keeping the external dimensions and floor space footprint minimal.
3Reliability
If conventional dishwashers operate through entire cycles, then thorough washing is achieved, but time and resource waste occurs when washing only a few dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the washing cycle parameters based on the number of dishes detected. For single dish or small load washing, the system automatically reduces cycle time, water flow, and energy consumption while maintaining adequate washing effectiveness. For full loads, the system operates through complete cycles to ensure thorough washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple washing modes with different parameters (water temperature, flow rate, spray pressure, cycle duration) that are selected based on the washing quantity. This allows the system to maintain reliable washing effectiveness across different load sizes while minimizing time and resource waste for small numbers of dishes.
4Device complexity
If conventional dishwashers use fixed rack positions, then structural simplicity is maintained, but dish breakage and ineffective washing occur when dishes slip or are pushed off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed rigid rack positions with a flexible support system that can adapt to different dish sizes and positions. The support structure includes adjustable or compliant elements that maintain contact with dishes during washing, preventing them from slipping or being pushed off while keeping the overall rack structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack or support structure utilizes flexible materials or thin-walled components that can deform to accommodate dish movement and provide continuous support. This flexibility prevents dish breakage from impacts while maintaining adequate structural simplicity in the rack design.
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 compact dishwasher efficiently washes and dries small numbers of dishes quickly, reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing space requirements, and preventing dish breakage, while maintaining effective cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid dispenser to direct water or other cleaning fluid to wash the dish
Implementation Method 2
brushes to brush against the dish to wash the same
Implementation Method 3
a steam flow to direct a flow of steam to the dish to clean the dish or at least to assist in cleaning
Implementation Method 4
a source of ultraviolet radiation to irradiate the dish
Implementation Method 5
a biodegradable chemical wash for washing the dish or the like in the washing zone
Data Source
AI summary
A personal dishwasher washes and dries a dish that is manually or mechanically moved through a dishwasher chamber or is manually placed in and manually removed from the chamber. Pressurized water, possibly containing soap, wetting agent, etc., may be added to the wash water. Steam may be used to for cleaning and/or disinfecting. Ultraviolet light may be used for disinfecting. The dishwasher chamber may be enlarged to pass larger dishes, bowls, glassware, etc. for washing. A method of washing dishes, comprising inserting a dish manually into a dishwasher, passing the dish through the dishwasher, and withdrawing the dish. A method of washing a dish, comprising inserting a single dish into a dishwasher, directing fluid under pressure at the dish, directing air flow at the dish, and withdrawing the dish.