dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers require additional components and separate operation for generating air bubbles, which complicates the washing process and increases resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design that incorporates an air jet generator in the supply flow path to form air bubbles by suctioning and crushing outside air into the wash water flowing through the supply pipe, eliminating the need for additional pumps and enhancing washing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an additional electrolysis unit is provided to generate air bubbles, then washing performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases and additional resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air bubble generation function is merged with the existing water supply system by installing the air jet generator directly in the water supply passage. This integration allows the pump to simultaneously perform both water pumping and air bubble generation functions, eliminating the need for separate electrolysis units and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced washing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the pump's water flow to create negative pressure that draws air into the water supply passage. The air jet generator employs fluid dynamics to mix air and water, creating air bubbles through pressure differential rather than requiring electrical electrolysis equipment, thus reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If an electrolysis device operates separately from the pump, then air bubbles can be generated, but the system requires additional components and separate operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair bubble generationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air bubble generation function is merged with the water pumping operation by installing the air jet generator within the water supply passage. The pump's water flow automatically creates the negative pressure needed for air suction, allowing both water delivery and air bubble generation to occur simultaneously during normal pump operation without requiring separate control or additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own water flow to generate air bubbles - the pump's output creates negative pressure that automatically draws air into the water supply passage through the air jet generator. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external air supply systems or separate operation controls, simplifying the overall system operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the supply pipe cross-section is deformed, then space utilization is improved, but water flow uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidwater flow uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The air jet generator is strategically positioned at a specific location within the deformed supply pipe where it can effectively mix air and water despite the non-uniform flow conditions. The local intervention of the air jet generator compensates for the overall flow non-uniformity caused by pipe deformation, ensuring adequate air bubble generation at the critical mixing point while maintaining compact space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 dishwasher effectively sprays wash water with air bubbles, improving washing performance without additional resources, and ensures stable air bubble generation through uniform water flow despite deformation in the supply pipe cross-section.

Implementation Method 1

an air jet generator disposed in a supply flow path formed by the supply pipe to suck outside air to the wash water flowing along the supply pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

crush the air to thereby form air bubbles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrushing air: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3563751B1dishwasher
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3563751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3563751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3563751B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher according to the present invention includes a tub for providing a washing space, a rack for accommodating dishes in the tub, a spray nozzle for spraying wash water toward the dishes accommodated in the rack, a sump for supplying the wash water to the spray nozzle, a pump for pumping the wash water stored in the sump to the spray nozzle, a supply pipe connecting the sump and the spray nozzle, and an air jet generator disposed in a supply flow path formed by the supply pipe to suck outside air to the wash water flowing along the supply pipe and crush the air to thereby form air bubbles.