Dishwasher and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face challenges in efficiently drying dishes with a simple internal structure that prevents contaminants from entering the drying device and efficiently managing condensed water during the drying cycle.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design with a drying device outside the tub, featuring an air circulation system with a fan, heater, temperature sensor, and processor to control the heater's operation based on detected temperature, ensuring efficient drying and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a heater is used during the drying cycle to achieve quick drying and sterilization effects, then drying efficiency and sterilization are improved, but the internal structure becomes complicated and contaminants may be introduced into the drying device
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is extracted from the tub structure and disposed outside the tub. The heater is specifically positioned in the flow channel rather than being integrated into the tub, separating the heating function from the washing chamber structure. This extraction simplifies the overall internal structure while maintaining drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow channel is introduced as an intermediary structure between the inlet and the heater. The flow channel guides air flow and positions the heater in a controlled environment, preventing direct contact between contaminants in the washing chamber and the heating elements while ensuring efficient heat transfer to the air for drying.
2Productivity
If the heater operates continuously to maintain drying temperature, then drying efficiency is improved, but overheating and safety accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The processor controls the heater to operate periodically rather than continuously. The heater is turned on and off in cycles based on temperature sensor feedback, maintaining the drying temperature within a safe range while preventing overheating. This periodic operation ensures drying efficiency is maintained without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor is positioned to detect the temperature of air in the flow channel, providing real-time feedback to the processor. The processor uses this feedback to control the heater's operation, turning it on when temperature drops below a threshold and turning it off when the threshold is reached, preventing overheating while maintaining drying efficiency.
3Reliability
If the drying cycle is extended to ensure complete drying, then drying thoroughness is improved, but drying cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor determines an initial operation time point of the heater based on temperature detected by the temperature sensor before the drying cycle fully begins. This preliminary heating action prepares the air for efficient drying from the start, reducing the overall drying time while ensuring complete drying is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor dynamically adjusts the heater operation parameters (on/off timing, duration) based on real-time temperature feedback. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves complete drying in the minimum necessary time, balancing drying thoroughness with cycle time reduction.
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 system enhances drying efficiency, reduces drying time, and prevents safety accidents by managing temperature and airflow effectively, while maintaining a simple internal structure.
Implementation Method 1
a fan that is operable to cause air from the washing chamber to be introduced through the inlet to flow in the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a heater in the flow channel to heat air in the flow channel
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor between the heater and the outlet to detect a temperature of air in the flow channel
Implementation Method 4
During the drying cycle, the water on the dishes evaporates and condensed water may be generated in a tub
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher including a tub forming a washing chamber; a drying device disposed outside of the tub and including an inlet through which air from the washing chamber is introduceable, a flow channel in which air from the washing chamber introduced through the inlet flows, a fan that is operable to cause air from the washing chamber to be introduced through the inlet to flow in the flow channel, a heater in the flow channel to heat air in the flow channel, an outlet through which air in the flow channel is discharged to the washing chamber, and a temperature sensor between the heater and the outlet; and at least one processor configured to operate the fan based on a start of a drying cycle and to determine an initial operation time point of the heater during the drying cycle based on temperature detected by the temperature sensor.