Dishwasher Door Locking and Enzyme Dosing to Reduce Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher performance is compromised when users open the door during a cycle, leading to energy inefficiency, detergent loss, and reduced cleaning effectiveness, especially with concentrated products and low-water programs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving automatic locking of the dishwasher door during the entire wash program and the use of a high level of enzymes, ensuring consistent cleaning performance while minimizing energy and water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dishwasher door is opened during the wash program, then the user can access the washing chamber, but the temperature decreases, steam escapes, and detergent is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The door is automatically locked at the beginning of the wash program before the user can open it, preventing temperature loss and steam escape during the washing process. This preliminary locking action eliminates the need for user intervention during the cycle while maintaining thermal efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If concentrated detergent products are used with reduced water, then the carbon footprint is reduced and cleaning performance is improved, but the detergent is more susceptible to loss when the door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The door locking mechanism is activated at the start of the wash program, preventing door opening and thereby preventing concentrated detergent from being lost through steam escape or splashing. This ensures the concentrated detergent remains effective throughout the cycle.
3Loss of energy
If the door is locked during the entire wash program, then temperature is maintained and detergent is protected from loss, but the user cannot access the washing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The door is automatically locked at the beginning of the wash program, maintaining temperature and protecting detergent throughout the cycle. The locking is designed to be automatic and uninterrupted, prioritizing energy efficiency and detergent protection over user access during the wash phase.
4Use of energy by moving object
If short and low-temperature wash programs are used, then energy and water consumption are reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised without proper enzyme delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the wash system by dosing at least 100 mg of active enzyme into the washing chamber. These enzymes enable effective cleaning at lower temperatures and shorter durations by breaking down food residues chemically, thus allowing short and low-temperature programs to maintain cleaning effectiveness while reducing energy and water consumption.
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 approach maintains cleaning effectiveness with reduced energy and water consumption, preventing enzyme loss and ensuring consistent performance even in short, low-temperature, and low-water programs.
Implementation Method 1
dosing at least 100 mg of active enzyme, preferably 120 mg of active enzyme into the washing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method of washing ware in a dishwasher wherein the dishwasher comprises a washing chamber and a door to close the washing chamber, the method comprising the steps of: starting a dishwashing program; automatically locking the door and keeping it locked for the whole duration of the dishwashing program; and dosing at least 100 mg of active enzyme into the washing chamber.