Dishwasher and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face challenges in efficiently drying dishes while preventing contaminants from entering the drying device and ensuring a simple internal structure to manage condensed water during the drying cycle.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a drying device located outside the tub, featuring an air circulation system that includes a fan, heater, and temperature sensor, controlled by a processor to manage the drying cycle, preventing overheating and optimizing energy use by adjusting the heater's operation based on temperature readings.
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 the drying efficiency and sterilization effect are improved, but the structure for heating the air becomes complicated and contaminants in the washing chamber may be introduced into the drying device
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is extracted from the washing chamber by positioning it outside the tub, with only air circulation connections maintained. This separation prevents contaminants from entering the drying device while maintaining heating functionality, resolving the contradiction between drying efficiency and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Air acts as an intermediary medium to transfer heat from the heater to the dishes indirectly. The heater heats air in the flow channel, which then circulates to dry dishes, achieving efficient drying without direct contact between heating elements and washing chamber contaminants
2Productivity
If the heater operates continuously to maintain high temperature for effective drying, then the drying effect is improved, but energy consumption increases and overheating safety risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operates periodically rather than continuously, with the controller activating it during specific phases of the drying cycle when temperature drops below thresholds. This periodic operation maintains effective drying while significantly reducing energy consumption and preventing overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller, which adjusts heater operation accordingly. When temperature reaches the upper threshold, the heater turns off; when it drops below the lower threshold, the heater restarts. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy use while ensuring safety
3Device complexity
If the drying device is positioned inside the washing chamber to simplify structure, then the internal structure is simpler, but contaminants can easily enter the drying device and condensed water discharge becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is extracted from the washing chamber environment and positioned outside the tub. This physical separation eliminates direct exposure to contaminants while maintaining a simple overall structure through external placement and air circulation connections
Solution Approach 2:
Air circulation through controlled flow channels provides a pneumatic barrier that prevents contaminants from reaching the drying device. The fan-driven air flow creates a controlled environment that protects the external drying device while maintaining structural simplicity
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 solution enhances the drying effect, reduces the drying cycle time, and prevents safety accidents from hot air, while maintaining a simple and efficient energy use, ensuring effective dish drying and safety.
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.