Dishwasher Air Supply Circuit for Hot Moist Air Mitigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers with pivoting doors emit hot, moist air that can cause wear or deterioration of nearby surfaces, such as countertops, due to the direct exposure of hot, moist air when the door is opened after a cycle.
Innovation Solution
An air supply circuit with an air inlet, outlet, and channel extending along the exterior of the tub is used to direct ambient air towards the door, mixing with the hot, moist air to reduce temperature and humidity, thereby preventing damage to surrounding surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is opened after a cycle of operation, then the treating chamber is accessible for loading and unloading dishes, but hot, moist air escapes and causes wear or deterioration of nearby surfaces such as countertops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air supply system as an intermediary between the treating chamber and the external environment. This system includes an air outlet positioned at the top of the door and an air supply circuit that delivers ambient air to mix with the hot, moist air escaping from the chamber, thereby creating a tempered air mixture that is less harmful to surrounding surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful hot, moist air that escapes when the door is opened into a beneficial tempered air mixture. By introducing ambient air through the air supply circuit and mixing it with the escaping chamber air, the system transforms the harmful thermal and humidity conditions into a milder air composition that protects surrounding surfaces while still allowing door operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an air supply system directs ambient air along the top of the door to mix with hot, moist air, then the temperature and humidity of escaping air are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is integrated into the existing door structure, with the air outlet incorporated into the door assembly itself. This multi-functional integration allows the door to serve both as a closure element and as part of the air supply mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the temperature and humidity control function
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply circuit draws ambient air from the surrounding environment without requiring active pumping or complex control mechanisms. The system passively utilizes natural air flow and pressure differential to deliver ambient air to the mixing zone, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining effective temperature and humidity reduction
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 air supply circuit effectively reduces the temperature and humidity of the air escaping from the dishwasher, creating a barrier that protects nearby surfaces from damage and extends the lifespan of the appliance and surrounding materials.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply circuit comprising an air inlet, an air outlet located within the treating chamber and facing an upper portion of the access opening, and an air channel fluidly coupling the air outlet to the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
such an air supply system can direct ambient air along the top of the door to effect a mixing of the ambient air with the hot, moist air to yield an air mixture of a lesser temperature or humidity
Implementation Method 3
a cooling assembly thermally coupled to and configured to cool air passing through the air supply circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A dish treating appliance includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening. A door is movable relative to the tub between closed and opened positions to selectively close and open the access opening. The dish treating appliance further includes an air supply circuit. The air supply circuit includes an air inlet and an air outlet facing an upper portion of the access opening. An air channel fluidly couples the air outlet to the air inlet.