Dishwasher Electrolyzer Circulation for Idle-Time Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face issues with bacterial propagation and offensive odor due to a sealed structure and humid environment, leading to internal contamination, especially when not used for a prolonged period, and existing sterilization methods may not effectively sterilize the entire interior, especially when the water level exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher system that includes a water collector, a reservoir with an electrolyzer, a flow path change valve, and a circulation pump to produce and circulate sterilizing water during non-operation, ensuring thorough sterilization of the interior and increasing detergent solubility by electrolyzing wash water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dishwasher uses a sealed structure and humid environment for washing operations, then washing effectiveness is improved, but bacterial propagation and offensive odors occur during non-operation periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sterilization during non-operation periods before bacteria can propagate and cause contamination. The electrolyzer produces sterilizing water in advance, which is then circulated through the interior components during idle time, preventing bacterial growth before it becomes a problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher sterilizes itself using its own water resources. The electrolyzer converts wash water into sterilizing water, and the circulation pump distributes this sterilizing water through the interior components, enabling the system to perform self-sterilization without external intervention or additional chemicals.
2Reliability
If an electrolyzer is installed in the water collector to sterilize, then sterilization is executed, but only the interior of the water collector is sterilized when water level exceeds predetermined level
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump acts as an intermediary to distribute the sterilizing water from the water collector to other interior components. Instead of relying solely on direct contact between the electrolyzer and all surfaces, the pump mediates the transport of sterilizing water to ensure comprehensive coverage of the wash tub, baskets, and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the water circulation system to distribute sterilizing water throughout the interior. The circulation pump creates fluid flow that carries the sterilizing water to various components, ensuring thorough sterilization through hydraulic distribution rather than limited direct contact.
3Loss of energy
If the dishwasher is left for prolonged period without sterilization, then energy consumption is reduced, but bacteria multiply rapidly causing internal contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the electrolyzer operates periodically during non-operation periods. The controller activates the electrolyzer and circulation pump at scheduled intervals when the dishwasher is idle, maintaining sterilization effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-sterilization during idle periods without requiring user intervention or additional energy input from the user. The controller automatically manages the electrolyzer and circulation pump operations, enabling the dishwasher to maintain its own hygiene independently.
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
The system effectively reduces bacterial growth and offensive odors by periodically sterilizing the dishwasher interior, maintaining low bacterial concentrations and enhancing detergent solubility, thus improving both sterilization and wash performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyzer disposed in the reservoir, for electrolyzing the wash water when no operation is executed
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump to circulate the water stored in the water collector and the reservoir into the wash chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, in which a reservoir provided with an electrolyzer is connected to a water collector via a flow path change valve, and wash water in the reservoir is electrolyzed by the electrolyzer during non-operation of the wash water, to generate sterilizing water and to circulate the sterilizing water into the dishwasher, thereby achieving an enhancement in sterilizability of the dishwasher. A method for controlling a dishwasher makes it possible to suppress propagation of microorganisms left in the dishwasher and to remove organic substances, using a sterilizing agent or high-temperature water. It is also possible to reduce generation of offensive odor caused by decomposition of bacteria, through a reduction in the amount of bacteria in the dishwasher. Since sterilization of the dishwasher is automatically carried out, enhanced user convenience is provided.