Dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers face challenges in efficiently drying washed items, require easy mounting and demounting of dry air suppliers, and struggle to quickly detect water leakage that can lead to malfunctions due to condensate accumulation and flow into the dry air supplier.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design with a detachable cover for the dry air supplier and a water leak detection system that directs condensate to a detection device, allowing easy access for maintenance and immediate detection of leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the dry air supplier is disposed inside the dishwasher to save space and ensure user safety, then the inner space of the tub is saved and user safety is improved, but the process of mounting and demounting the dry air supplier becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinner space of tubVSAvoidmounting and demounting process

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher is divided into separate modules: the dry air supplier is separated from the main body and can be independently removed through the door opening. This segmentation allows the dry air supplier to be disposed inside the dishwasher to save space while maintaining ease of repair by enabling independent removal without disassembling the entire appliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the dry air supplier is disposed below the tub, then space is saved, but liquid water (condensed water) may flow into the dry air supplier from the tub causing water leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidwater leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the tub and the dry air supplier. The cover includes a waterproof sealing portion that prevents condensed water from flowing into the dry air supplier when it is disposed below the tub, thus maintaining space efficiency while eliminating the water leakage hazard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If water leakage is not quickly detected, then the operation continues, but water accumulation causes malfunction and great inconvenience to users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidmalfunction prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A water leakage detecting device provides continuous feedback about the presence of water around the dry air supplier. When water leakage is detected, the system can immediately alert the user or automatically stop operation, preventing water accumulation that would cause malfunction while allowing continuous operation under normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Facilitates convenient dishwashing with reduced drying time and prevents malfunctions by ensuring quick detection and response to water leaks, enhancing user safety and appliance reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Water remaining in the tub may flow downward due to gravity. In addition, the dry air supplier may be disposed below the tub. Accordingly, liquid water (i.e., condensed water) may flow into the dry air supplier from the tub.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12514427B2Dishwasher

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A dishwasher includes a tub in which dishes are stored, a base disposed below the tub, a dry air supplier configured to spray air to the tub, and a cover disposed to expose the dry air supplier through an opening formed in a bottom surface of the base and configured to close the opening by being coupled to the base.