Compact Personal Dishwasher for Small-Load Washing and Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are large, inefficient, and wasteful when used for washing a small number of dishes, requiring significant space, time, and resources, and often result in energy and water wastage, as well as potential breakage due to water jets and ineffective washing if dishes are not properly secured.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable dishwasher design that allows for efficient washing of one or several dishes using a fluid dispenser, brushes, steam flow, ultraviolet radiation, and biodegradable chemicals, with a manual insertion and removal path, and adjustable features for different dish sizes, enabling quick and effective cleaning with minimal resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dishwashers are used to wash a small number of dishes, then washing function is provided, but significant space, time, and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing function into two distinct systems: a compact portable dishwasher for washing small numbers of dishes individually, and a conventional built-in dishwasher for washing large loads. This segmentation allows each system to operate optimally for its intended purpose, eliminating the waste of running a large dishwasher for just one or two dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dishwasher is designed to provide sufficient washing capability for small numbers of dishes without the excessive capacity of conventional dishwashers. It performs just enough washing function needed for 1-5 dishes, avoiding the waste of using a 15-dish capacity machine for a single dish.
2Productivity
If conventional dishwashers are used, then washing capability is provided, but substantial floor space or under counter space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the washing function into a compact portable unit that can be stored in a cabinet when not in use, separating the washing capability from permanent floor space occupation. The portable dishwasher fits in standard kitchen cabinets, freeing up valuable under-counter space.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dishwasher transitions from a permanent floor-standing installation to a compact unit that可以利用 vertical cabinet space. It can be stored vertically in a cabinet and deployed horizontally on the counter when needed, effectively using three-dimensional space more efficiently.
3Productivity
If conventional dishwashers operate through entire cycle, then washing is completed, but time is wasted when only a few dishes need washing
Solution Approach 1:
The portable dishwasher provides partial washing action sufficient for small numbers of dishes, completing the washing cycle in 15-30 minutes rather than the 60+ minutes required by conventional dishwashers. This partial action approach avoids the excessive time consumption of running a full-cycle conventional dishwasher for just one or two dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable dishwasher enables frequent, short washing cycles that can be performed as needed throughout the day, rather than waiting for a full load to accumulate. This periodic action allows dishes to be washed in small batches, reducing the total time dishes spend waiting to be cleaned.
4Productivity
If conventional dishwashers are used, then washing function is provided, but risk of dish breakage from water jets or ineffective washing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The portable dishwasher replaces the high-pressure mechanical water jet system with a gentler washing mechanism that uses lower pressure spray and manual brushing. This substitution maintains washing effectiveness while eliminating the risk of dishes being knocked off racks or broken by forceful water jets.
Solution Approach 2:
The user manually places dishes in the portable dishwasher and can visually monitor the washing process, ensuring dishes are properly positioned. The compact design allows users to easily load and unload dishes without the risk of water jets dislodging items from racks, as the dishes remain under direct user control throughout the process.
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 provides a space-efficient and energy-conserving solution for washing small loads of dishes, reducing breakage risk and ensuring thorough cleaning, while minimizing water and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid dispenser to direct liquid to wash a dish
Implementation Method 2
a steam flow to direct a flow of steam to the dish or the like to clean the dish or at least to assist in cleaning
Implementation Method 3
a source of ultraviolet radiation for irradiating the dish or the like
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.