Dishwasher with optical device and illumination device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face issues with incomplete removal of micro-deposits during filter cleaning, leading to contamination from bacteria, viruses, and molds, and poor visibility in low-light environments, which complicates loading and observing dishes.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with an integrated illumination device capable of emitting both visible and ultraviolet radiation, allowing for better visibility and sanitization, integrated with an optical device to facilitate image acquisition and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate compartments are provided for optical device, light source, and UV source, then each component can be housed independently, but the manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical device, visible light source, and UV light source into a single integrated housing unit. This merging of previously separate components reduces the number of compartments needed in the dishwasher structure, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining all necessary functions for image acquisition and illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the optical device for image capture, contains visible light sources for illumination during loading/observation, and incorporates UV sources for sterilization. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate compartments for each component type.
2Productivity
If periodic cleaning of the filter is performed, then large residues are removed, but micro-deposits and microorganisms remain trapped
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on periodic manual cleaning, the patent implements continuous UV sterilization action that operates throughout the washing cycle. This continuous exposure to UV radiation ensures that microorganisms are constantly being killed, preventing their accumulation and eliminating the need to physically remove micro-deposits through frequent filter cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful UV radiation, which can damage organic material, into a beneficial sterilization tool. By directing UV light into the filter and washing zone, the system uses this potentially harmful radiation to kill bacteria, viruses, and molds, transforming it into an effective disinfection mechanism that complements the mechanical filtering action.
3Ease of operation
If no illumination device is provided, then the structure remains simple, but visibility inside the dishwasher is poor during loading and observation
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is integrated into the same housing as the optical device and UV sources, combining multiple functions into a single unit. This integration provides the necessary visible light for user operation during loading and observation without requiring a completely separate illumination system, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 integrated illumination device enhances user visibility, sanitizes the washing zone, and reduces microbial contamination, while simplifying production and reducing the need for separate compartments, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device (82) capable of illuminating the washing zone (2) with visible or ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 2
the ultraviolet radiation has a germicidal action
Data Source
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Figure 3~3A
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention concerns a dishwasher (1) comprising: a pump (12) that can be connected to a mains water inlet for taking water from the mains, a washing zone (2) in fluid communication with said pump (12), said washing zone (2) being defined by a plurality of walls (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E), a door (3), configured to switch between a closed configuration in which it precludes access to said washing zone (2) and at least one open configuration in which it allows access to said washing zone (2), one or more illumination, sanitizing and image acquisition complexes (8) comprising an illumination device (82) facing said washing zone (2) and having a first light source (83) configured to emit a radiation in the visible spectrum and a second light source (84) configured to emit a radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum, an optical device (81) facing said washing zone (2) and configured to acquire digital images (J) of said washing zone (2). The dishwasher comprises a control unit (4) placed in signal communication with one or more illumination, sanitizing and image acquisition complexes (8) to control said one or more illumination, sanitizing and image acquisition complexes (8). A characteristic is that one or more walls of the plurality of walls (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) of the washing zone (2) comprise, within their thickness, a seat (2F) configured to house one or more of the aforesaid illumination, sanitization and image acquisition complexes (8).