Dishwasher Detergent Nebulization for Hard-to-Reach Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers face challenges in effectively reaching all parts of dishes, especially when loaded densely, leading to high water and detergent consumption, and increased energy costs for heating the washing liquid.

Innovation Solution

A washing method utilizing an ultrasound nebulizing system to create a fine aerosol of detergent solution that diffuses into the washing compartment, allowing for efficient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without simultaneous mechanical washing, and incorporating a controlled heating system to optimize detergent enzyme activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If large amounts of water and detergent are used to ensure all parts of dishes are reached, then cleaning coverage is improved, but water and detergent consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidwater and detergent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the washing liquid by using an ultrasonic nebulizer to convert liquid detergent solution into fine aerosol particles. This parameter change allows the washing substance to be distributed more uniformly and penetrate into previously inaccessible areas of dishes, improving cleaning coverage without increasing overall consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spray system with an ultrasonic nebulization system. Instead of using high-pressure mechanical spraying that consumes large amounts of liquid, the system uses ultrasonic vibration to generate fine aerosol particles that diffuse naturally, achieving better penetration and coverage with reduced substance consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If large quantities of washing liquid are heated, then washing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal parameters by heating only the small quantity of detergent solution needed for nebulization rather than large volumes of washing liquid. The ultrasonic nebulizer requires minimal liquid volume, so heating this small amount significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness through the enhanced distribution of the heated detergent aerosol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If more detergent is used to improve cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but environmental pollution and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical spraying with ultrasonic nebulization, which generates fine aerosol particles that naturally diffuse and penetrate into hard-to-reach areas of dishes. This substitution improves detergent distribution efficiency, allowing reduced detergent quantities to achieve the same or better cleaning efficacy, thereby reducing environmental pollution and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of the detergent delivery system by converting liquid detergent into fine aerosol particles through ultrasonic nebulization. This parameter change enhances the penetration capability and distribution uniformity of the detergent, improving cleaning efficacy in hard-to-reach areas while reducing the total amount of detergent required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method reduces water and detergent usage, lowers energy consumption, and enhances cleaning efficacy by ensuring thorough coverage and penetration of detergent on porous surfaces, while maintaining effective mechanical washing.

Implementation Method 1

water mixed with active detergent substances is vaporized by the ultrasound generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vaporization: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

water mixed with active detergent substances is vaporized by the ultrasound generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The liquid under pressure is heated by an electrical heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2378943B1Washing method for washing appliances
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 INDESIT COMPANY SPA
  • EP2378943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2378943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2378943B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is a method for washing articles placed in a washing compartment of a washing appliance, the method involving the implementation by the washing appliance (1) of a first procedure comprising the steps of : subjecting the articles located in the washing compartment (2) to a mechanical wash; applying a chemical detergent in aqueous solution in the form of a nebulized spray inside the washing compartment (2) so as to subject the articles to a chemical wash; in the first procedure the nebulized spray of aqueous solution is applied in the washing compartment (2) after completing the mechanical wash.