Dishwasher with rechargeable components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in efficiently charging rechargeable batteries for electricity-consuming components within the treating chamber, as existing systems often require manual intervention and are not seamlessly integrated with the dish holder's movement between loading and treating positions.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a battery charging system with an electrical conduit and connectors on the dish holder and tub wall, which automatically couple and decouple based on the dish holder's position, enabling electricity supply to rechargeable batteries when in the treating position and preventing charging when in the loading position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery charging system uses manual intervention for charging, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user action
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charging system automatically detects when the dish holder is in the treating position and initiates charging without user intervention. The system monitors the position of the dish holder and autonomously connects the electrical conduit to supply power to the battery, eliminating the need for manual charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical charging operations with an automated electrical detection and connection system. The system uses electrical signals to detect the dish holder position and automatically establishes the charging connection, substituting mechanical user actions with automated electrical control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the charging system is always connected, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to unnecessary charging when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connection is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state of the dish holder. The system automatically connects the electrical conduit when the dish holder is in the treating position and disconnects when it is in the loading position, creating a dynamic charging system that adapts to operational needs rather than maintaining a static always-connected state.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system operates periodically based on the cycle of the dish holder movement between loading and treating positions. Charging is activated during the treating position phase and deactivated during the loading position phase, creating a periodic charging pattern that matches the operational cycle and avoids continuous energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical conduit is always connected, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to permanent wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conduit connection transitions from a static permanent wiring arrangement to a dynamic selectively connected system. The conduit is automatically connected only when the dish holder is in the treating position and disconnected during the loading position, reducing the complexity of permanent wiring while maintaining operational ease through automated control.
4Productivity
If manual charging intervention is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to user intervention time
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charging system performs self-service by automatically detecting the dish holder position and initiating the charging process without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the time users would spend manually connecting charging cables or initiating charging sequences, thereby improving productivity while the automated detection and connection mechanisms manage the increased device complexity.
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
Ensures automatic and efficient recharging of batteries during the dishwashing cycle, ensuring continuous power to components like dispensers and liquid controllers without user intervention, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second connectors are physically coupled and configured to form a conductive path to permit the supply of electricity from the controller through the electrical conduit
Implementation Method 2
a battery charging system supplying electricity to the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation having a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber, a slidable dish holder, an electricity-consuming component having a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging system to recharge the rechargeable battery of the electricity-consuming component when the dish holder is in the treating position.