Dishwasher Condensing Duct Layout for Water Drainage and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face issues with deteriorated drying performance, breakdown of drying devices due to water ingress, and proliferation of bacteria or mold in condensing ducts, primarily due to ineffective water drainage and air circulation designs in existing drying modules.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a modified condensing duct structure with a bent portion and ribs to prevent water from entering the downstream side, combined with a cold air supply module and fan configuration to enhance air circulation and moisture removal, improving drying efficiency and preventing bacterial or mold growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a dogleg with a partially inverted U shape is used in the airflow conduit, then the duct can be compactly arranged, but water flows along the lateral surface of the dogleg and cannot be collected in the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the dogleg configuration by adding a curved surface that guides water flow toward the drainage outlet. The curved surface creates a smooth transition that prevents water from adhering to lateral surfaces and ensures reliable water collection in the reservoir, resolving the contradiction between compact duct arrangement and effective water drainage.
2Reliability
If the water drain port is positioned on the lower surface of the duct, then water can be discharged, but water may still enter the duct through the dogleg and cause device breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved surface as an intermediary element between the water drain port and the dogleg structure. This curved surface acts as a water guide that intercepts water flow and directs it toward the drainage outlet, preventing water from entering the duct through the dogleg while maintaining effective water discharge capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If air circulation is insufficient in the condensing duct, then energy consumption is reduced, but moisture accumulates and promotes bacterial or mold proliferation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-cleaning air circulation system where the drying device's existing fan and air circulation pathways are utilized to periodically flush moisture from the condensing duct. This self-service approach maintains duct hygiene and prevents bacterial or mold proliferation without requiring additional energy-consuming dedicated ventilation systems.
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 configuration enhances drying performance, prevents device breakdown, and inhibits bacterial or mold proliferation by effectively draining water and improving air circulation within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a bent portion and ribs to prevent water from entering the downstream side
Implementation Method 2
a cold air supplying module configured to adjoin the condensing duct
Implementation Method 3
a fan configured to allow air to flow in the duct
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising: a tub (12) having a washing space (12S) therein; a door (14) disposed at a front side of the tub (12) and configured to open or close the washing space (12S); and a drying device (100) configured to dry the washing space (12S). The drying device (100) comprises: a condensing duct (1122) disposed outside the tub (12) and configured to communicate with an inlet port (HI) formed in the tub (12) and face an outer surface of the tub (12) and configured to extend inP a vertical direction and a first direction which intersects the vertical direction; and a fan configured to allow air in the condensing duct (1122) to flow. The condensing duct (1122) comprises: an upstream portion (1122A) configured to communicate with the inlet port (HI); and a downstream portion (1122C) configured to communicate with the upstream portion (1122A) and comprising a bent portion (BP) bent to descend and then ascend. A rib is formed inside the bent portion (BP), and the rib traverses the bent portion (BP) and protrudes in a second direction which intersects the vertical direction and the first direction. Accordingly drying performance is improved, a drying device is prevented from being broken down by water, and proliferation of bacteria or mold in a condensing duct is prevented.