Dishwasher Dual-Container Water System for Condensation-Based Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers designed for hot water connections, common in some countries, face challenges in energy-efficient drying as they cannot utilize the preheated water for cooling and condensation-based drying processes.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design featuring a first container for cooling water to ambient temperature, thermally insulated from the washing container, and a second container in thermal contact with the washing container, allowing for efficient heat transfer and moisture condensation for accelerated drying, even with a hot water connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dishwasher is connected to a hot water pipe with water at around 60°C, then the water supply is sufficient for washing, but the water cannot be used for cooling and condensation-based drying processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply availabilityVSAvoiddrying process adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The water storage system is divided into two separate containers: a first container for storing hot water from the hot water supply, and a second container for storing cooled water used in the drying process. This segmentation allows the system to handle hot water input while separately managing the cooling water needed for condensation-based drying, thus resolving the contradiction between water supply availability and drying process adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cooling device acts as an intermediary between the hot water supply and the drying process. The cooling device cools water from the first container and transfers it to the second container, enabling the system to convert hot water into cooled water suitable for condensation-based drying, thereby bridging the gap between hot water supply and drying requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single hot water connection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform energy-efficient cooling and drying is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater connection systemVSAvoiddrying energy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cooling of water in the first container before the drying process begins. By pre-cooling water and storing it in the second container, the system prepares the necessary cooling resource in advance, enabling energy-efficient condensation-based drying to occur during the actual drying phase without requiring additional energy input at that time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling device utilizes the hot water from the hot water supply as its heat source, allowing the system to cool water using the very same water that would otherwise be wasted. This self-service approach enables the system to generate its own cooling capability from available hot water, maintaining energy efficiency while simplifying the external water connection requirements to a single hot water line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables energy-efficient drying by using cooled water from the first container to condense moisture in the washing compartment, reducing energy requirements and enhancing drying efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the first container is in thermal contact with the environment... the water temperature can adapt to the ambient temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Thermal insulation means are arranged between the first tank and the washing tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

the second tank is arranged in thermal contact with the washing tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

cooling of the part of the rinsing container that is in thermal contact with the second container is achieved... moisture condenses on an inside of this side wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3369357B1Water-conducting domestic appliance and method for operating a water-conducting domestic appliance
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3369357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a water-bearing domestic appliance (1), in particular a dishwasher, having a washing container (2) for holding items to be washed, a first container (20) and a second container (30) for holding water, with between the first container (20) and thermal insulation means (21) is arranged on the rinsing tank (2), the second tank (30) is arranged in thermal contact (31) with the rinsing tank (2), and means (40) for transferring the water from the first tank (20) is provided in the second container (30) for drying the items to be washed.