Dishwasher Sump Heater Isolation for Corrosion-Free Steam Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers suffer from heater corrosion, complex structure, and risk of electric shorting due to direct contact with wash water, which complicates manufacturing, maintenance, and reduces heater reliability.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design where the heater module is located outside the sump, using a heater cover to transfer heat to a water collection unit via thermal conduction, with a temperature control module to regulate power and prevent overheating, and a steam channel to supply steam into the cabinet assembly, minimizing direct contact with wash water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heater is disposed in the sump to directly contact wash water for heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but the heater is corroded and foreign matter attaches to it reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer plate as an intermediary component between the heater and wash water. The heater is disposed in the sump but does not directly contact the wash water; instead, it transfers heat through the heat transfer plate which then contacts the wash water. This mediator prevents direct contact between the heater and corrosive wash water while maintaining effective heat transfer to the water.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heater is disposed in the sump to heat wash water, then heating function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and insulation is required to prevent electric shorting
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer plate serves as a structural intermediary that simplifies the overall design. By placing the heater in the sump but having it contact only the heat transfer plate (not directly the wash water), the patent eliminates the need for complex insulation structures to prevent electric shorting. The heat transfer plate provides both thermal conduction and electrical isolation functions in a single component.
3Temperature
If the heater directly contacts wash water for heating, then heat transfer is effective, but corrosion occurs upon repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer plate acts as a protective intermediary between the heater and the corrosive wash water environment. The plate is designed to be in direct contact with the wash water, exposing it to corrosion instead of the heater. This allows the heater to maintain its heating effectiveness while being protected from the harmful corrosive effects of repeated water exposure.
4Reliability
If the heater is located outside the sump to avoid corrosion, then reliability is improved, but heating efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by positioning the heater in the sump (for efficient heat transfer) while using the heat transfer plate as an intermediary that prevents direct contact with wash water (for reliability). This allows the heater to maintain high heating efficiency through proximity to the water while the plate mediator protects it from corrosion, achieving both reliability and efficiency simultaneously.
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 design prevents heater corrosion, improves reliability, allows for easier maintenance, and reduces the risk of electric shorts while enhancing thermal conductivity and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater cover mounted to the sump such that the heater cover tightly contacts the sump to transfer heat to the water collection unit
Implementation Method 2
a heater installed in the heater cover to generate heat when electric power is applied to the heater
Implementation Method 3
to supply steam generated in the water collection unit into the cabinet assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher including a cabinet assembly having a tub in which dishes are received, a sump, having a water collection unit configured to store wash water disposed therein, which is coupled to an interior of the cabinet assembly to collect wash water and to supply steam generated in the water collection unit into the cabinet assembly, and a heater module located outside the sump to transfer heat to the water collection unit and to heat the wash water in order to generate steam. The heater does not contact the wash water, preventing corrosion or oxidation of the heater.