Dishwasher Condenser Venting for Low-Temperature Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical automatic dishwashers face efficiency issues with condensers due to reduced temperature differences and require additional components for steam management, which can lead to water damage and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A condenser system with multiple ambient air inlets and a serpentine path within the condenser conduit, which introduces ambient air to mix with moisture-laden air, enhancing humidity reduction and eliminating the need for additional steam management components by integrating the condensate outlet with the water inlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical condenser is used in the dishwasher, then condensation of moisture from humid air is achieved, but condenser efficiency decreases when temperature difference is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the condenser by introducing multiple ambient air inlets at different locations and orientations within the condensing passage. This creates variable temperature zones along the condensing path, allowing the system to maintain effective condensation even when the overall temperature difference between humid air and condenser walls is reduced. The different ambient air temperatures at various inlets create a gradient that sustains condensation efficiency.
2Reliability
If additional components are added for steam management, then water damage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam management function with the existing condenser system by integrating ambient air inlets directly into the condensing passage. The condenser serves dual purposes: condensing moisture for removal and managing steam by allowing ambient air to mix with and cool the steam, causing it to condense. This eliminates the need for separate steam management components while maintaining water damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it condenses moisture from humid air during the drying cycle, manages steam by allowing ambient air mixing and condensation, and prevents water damage to internal components. This multi-functionality is achieved through the strategic placement of ambient air inlets within the condensing passage, allowing the same component to handle various vapor management tasks without requiring additional specialized parts.
3Quantity of substance
If ambient air is introduced into the condenser conduit, then humidity reduction is enhanced, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing ambient air at specific locations and orientations within the condensing passage rather than uniformly throughout. The ambient air inlets are positioned to target specific zones where steam concentration is highest, allowing efficient local condensation. This localized approach reduces the total amount of ambient air needed, minimizing energy loss while achieving effective humidity reduction in the critical areas.
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
This design improves condenser efficiency by reducing humidity through ambient air mixing and minimizes the risk of water damage by integrating steam condensation back into the system, reducing the need for waterproofing measures.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser system with multiple ambient air inlets and a serpentine path within the condenser conduit, which introduces ambient air to mix with moisture-laden air, enhancing humidity reduction
Implementation Method 2
a condenser comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a condensing passage fluidly coupling the inlet and the outlet, with the inlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A dish treating appliance for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation can include a tub defining a treating chamber. The treating chamber can fluidly couple to condenser having an inlet, an outlet, and a condensing passage. The condenser can further include multiple ambient air inlets to mix humid air drawn from the treating chamber with ambient air within the condenser. The condenser can further integrate a water inlet with a condenser outlet, such that a water supply and condensed liquid can be provided to the treating chamber through the same opening.