Washing programme for a dishwasher having a shorter cycle with a constant cleaning efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dishwashers require longer operating times to maintain cleaning and drying performance, especially when energy-saving measures are implemented, which can be a drawback in situations where quick access to clean dishes is desired without compromising results.

Innovation Solution

A method and dishwasher design that includes an additional fast washing program with increased water and energy consumption, allowing for the same cleaning and drying results in a shorter time by enhancing the circulation pump speed, water diverter operation, and temperature control across all program steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If energy-saving measures are implemented (lower water temperature, reduced water pressure, slower circulation pump), then energy consumption is reduced, but the cleaning performance and operating time are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcleaning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation pump speed is made dynamically adjustable with multiple operating speeds. The control unit selects appropriate pump speeds based on the selected washing program, allowing the system to optimize between energy consumption and cleaning performance for different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key operating parameters (circulation pump speed, water temperature, spray pressure) based on the selected program. Energy-efficient programs use lower parameters while intensive programs use higher parameters, allowing flexible adaptation to different user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If water temperature is kept at a lower level to reduce energy consumption, then energy usage decreases, but the cleaning and drying performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcleaning result
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element operates dynamically with adjustable power levels and duty cycles. The control unit modulates heating intensity based on the selected program, allowing lower temperatures for energy-saving programs while providing sufficient heat for intensive cleaning when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heating and circulation systems operate continuously throughout the washing program, ensuring consistent thermal and mechanical action on the soiled surfaces, which maintains cleaning effectiveness even at moderate temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by moving object

If circulation pump runs more slowly to reduce energy consumption, then energy usage decreases, but the mechanical removal energy and cleaning efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation pump features variable speed operation with at least two distinct speeds. The control unit selects the appropriate pump speed based on the washing program, enabling low-speed energy-efficient operation for gentle cycles and high-speed intensive cleaning when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If the running time of the washing program is reduced for quick programs, then time consumption decreases, but the cleaning and drying results are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram durationVSAvoidcleaning result
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Quick programs apply intensified cleaning action (higher pump speed, higher temperature, increased spray pressure) for a shorter duration, delivering sufficient cleaning for lightly soiled dishes without requiring the full cycle time of intensive programs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts operating parameters (pump speed, temperature, pressure) based on program selection. Quick programs use elevated parameters to achieve adequate cleaning in reduced time, while intensive programs use moderate parameters over longer periods for heavily soiled items

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces the overall program duration while maintaining the same cleaning and drying performance, allowing dishes to be ready faster without impairing results, even on heavily soiled items.

Implementation Method 1

a circulation pump for applying washing water to the items to be washed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

a heater for heating the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP1968423B1Washing programme for a dishwasher having a shorter cycle with a constant cleaning efficiency
Publication Date: 2017.09.20 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP1968423B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a dishwasher having at least one predetermined sequence of a rinsing programme in order to obtain a defined cleaning result. Said method consists of carrying out washing and rinsing steps. The predetermined sequence of the rinsing programme is configured in such a manner that a minimum amount of water and energy are used. According to the invention, at least one additional predetermined sequence of a rinsing programme for obtaining the same defined cleaning result, wherein the water and/or energy consumption is increased and the cycle of the rinsing programme is simultaneously reduced, is provided.