Dishwasher Drying Unit with Varying Airflow for Load Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in optimizing the drying process, particularly in reaching all areas of the washing compartment effectively and efficiently, especially when dealing with bulky items and varying loads, without increasing energy consumption or noise levels.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher varies the volume flow and exit speed of air introduced through the inlet opening over the drying phase, allowing for dynamic airflow distribution that adapts to different areas and loads, using a programmable control unit to manage blower speed between predetermined maximum and minimum values, and optionally utilizing a controllable closure element to adjust airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If constant volume flow of air is introduced into the washing compartment during the entire drying phase, then the drying process is simple to control, but the airflow cannot effectively reach all areas especially when dealing with bulky items and varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the volume flow of air introduced into the washing compartment during the drying phase. Instead of maintaining a constant airflow, the system dynamically adjusts the air volume flow to adapt to different drying conditions, bulky items, and varying loads, thereby improving airflow distribution without requiring complex sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing air in a pulsating manner with varying volume flows during the drying phase. This periodic variation in airflow creates different flow patterns that can effectively reach various areas of the washing compartment, including regions obscured by bulky items, while maintaining simple control architecture
2Productivity
If high volume flow of air is continuously introduced to ensure thorough drying, then drying effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by introducing air in pulses with varying volume flows rather than continuous high-flow operation. This approach maintains thorough drying effectiveness by ensuring adequate airflow reaches all areas, while reducing average energy consumption and noise levels through the intermittent and variable nature of the airflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the volume flow parameter of the introduced air during the drying phase. By changing the air flow rate dynamically, the system achieves thorough drying in critical areas while operating at lower average flow rates, thereby reducing energy consumption and noise compared to continuous high-volume flow operation
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 ensures thorough and efficient drying of all items, regardless of their placement or the load configuration, while maintaining energy efficiency and reducing noise, without the need for sensors or complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
air can be introduced into the washing compartment via at least one inlet opening, in particular exhaust opening
Implementation Method 2
supporting the drying of the items to be washed in this way by blowing air into the washing compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, which comprises a washing tub (2) for cleaning dishes, cutlery or other items to be washed. Air can be introduced into the washing tub (2) during at least one drying phase (TG) within a program sequence through at least one inlet opening, in particular a blowing opening (9). According to the invention, the dishwasher is designed such that the volume flow rate (Q) of air that can be introduced into the washing tub (2) varies repeatedly over the drying phase (TG).