Dishwasher Cap With Segmented Air Channels for Water-Ingress Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dishwashers with sorption drying devices, water and washing liquid often penetrate into the blow-out device's connection piece, potentially damaging components and disrupting the drying process, especially when the nozzle is arranged in a corner area where water can accumulate and be splashed by a rotating spray arm.
Innovation Solution
A cap with multiple separate air outlet openings, designed to allow unhindered air flow and prevent water ingress, is used for the blow-out device. These openings are strategically placed to ensure water exits without rising into the socket, with front and rear openings arranged to distribute air uniformly and prevent water from reaching sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the nozzle is arranged in a corner area to avoid collision with spray arms, then space utilization is improved, but water accumulation and ingress risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into multiple functional zones with different types of openings: front air outlet openings for air distribution, rear air outlet openings for additional air flow, and liquid outlet openings for water drainage. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while collectively solving the water ingress problem in the corner arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary component between the blow-out device and the washing compartment. It mediates the conflict between air flow requirements and water protection needs by providing sealed openings with gaskets that allow air passage while blocking water ingress from the corner position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a covering cap is provided to prevent water ingress, then water protection is improved, but air distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates multiple separate opening types (front air outlets, rear air outlets, liquid outlets) distributed across its surface. This segmentation enables the cap to function as both a protective cover and an air distribution system, preventing water ingress while maintaining uniform air flow patterns through strategically positioned openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the blow-out device from water ingress, distributes air uniformly across the washing compartment through multiple opening types, and facilitates liquid drainage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between protection and air distribution.
3Productivity
If the connection piece protrudes into the washing compartment for air blow-out, then air flow efficiency is improved, but water penetration risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves as an intermediary protective element that allows the connection piece to protrude for efficient air blow-out while preventing water penetration. The sealed openings with gaskets enable the connection piece to maintain its productive position without exposing internal components to water.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap utilizes flexible gaskets and seals around its openings to create water-tight barriers while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible sealing elements prevent water penetration at the protruding connection piece while allowing air flow through the sealed openings.
4Length of stationary object
If the nozzle is positioned low to avoid spray arm collision, then space efficiency is improved, but water wave accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid outlet openings extract and remove water from the system before it can accumulate in harmful quantities. By providing dedicated drainage paths, the invention prevents water wave accumulation at the low-positioned nozzle while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary that manages the conflict between low nozzle positioning and water accumulation. The sealed openings and liquid outlets mediate water flow, allowing the nozzle to remain low for space efficiency while preventing harmful water wave buildup through controlled drainage.
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 solution effectively prevents water from entering the blow-out device, ensuring complete water exit and uniform air distribution, which enhances drying efficiency and protects the sorbent material from damage, leading to improved drying results and extended sorbent lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
During an adsorption phase, air containing water is routed from the rinsing chamber through the sorption drying system. The material absorbs water from the air that has flowed through the washing compartment
Implementation Method 2
In a desorption phase, on the other hand, this water is released again while the sorbent is heated and blown out into the rinsing tank. These temperatures are usually generated by an electrical heater, in particular an air-heating tube heater
Implementation Method 3
A large amount of air is required, which penetrates the sorbent and is then introduced into the rinsing tank
Data Source
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AI summary
Dishwasher (1), in particular domestic dishwasher, with a washing compartment (2) for cleaning dishes, glasses, cutlery or similar items to be washed, and with a blow-out device (AV) having a cap (17) for blowing air into the washing compartment (2), wherein the cap (17) has several separate air outlet openings (25; 26; 28; 29), of which at least some (25; 26) are designed as channels (K) open in the blowing direction and in the opposite direction (25a; 26a). .