Dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial dishwashers with reverse-osmosis installations require significant space and have complex hydraulic connections, and it has been challenging to integrate a softener system downstream of the reverse-osmosis installation to effectively treat water for optimal dishwashing results.
Innovation Solution
A box-type dishwasher design with a fully integrated reverse-osmosis device and a softener system, where the reverse-osmosis device is positioned downstream of a feed valve with a backflow preventer, and the softener can be connected in series or parallel, allowing for flexible operation and minimizing space and connection complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reverse-osmosis installation is added to treat water in commercial dishwashers, then water treatment quality is improved, but space requirements and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reverse-osmosis device and softener system into a single integrated water treatment unit that is directly incorporated into the dishwasher's existing hydraulic structure. The reverse-osmosis membrane module is positioned within the wash tank, and the softener is connected through integrated piping, merging multiple water treatment functions into one compact system that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high water treatment quality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated water treatment system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the reverse-osmosis membrane demineralizes water while the softener removes hardness minerals, and both operations are coordinated through a single control mechanism. The system can operate in different modes (reverse-osmosis only, softener only, or both together) depending on water quality requirements, providing universal water treatment capability that addresses multiple water quality issues with one system
2Manufacturing precision
If a reverse-osmosis installation is added to treat water in commercial dishwashers, then water treatment quality is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse-osmosis membrane module is nested within the existing wash tank structure of the dishwasher. The membrane housing is positioned to utilize the available space within the wash tank volume, and the softener system is integrated into the side walls or bottom structure of the tank. This nesting approach allows the water treatment system to occupy minimal additional space while still providing effective water treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a horizontal expansion layout to a vertical integration approach. The reverse-osmosis membrane is arranged vertically within the wash tank, and the softener system is positioned in the vertical space above or below the main wash area. This dimensional reorganization allows the water treatment components to fit within the existing footprint of the dishwasher without significantly increasing its overall volume
3Manufacturing precision
If a softener system is connected downstream of the reverse-osmosis installation, then water softening capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The softener system is positioned upstream of the reverse-osmosis membrane in the water flow path, performing preliminary softening of the feed water before it reaches the membrane. This preliminary action prevents scale formation on the membrane surface and reduces the operating pressure required, simplifying the overall system design while improving both softening capability and membrane longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary bypass line with a control valve that allows untreated water to mix with softened water before entering the reverse-osmosis membrane. This intermediary approach enables flexible control of the water treatment process, allowing the system to operate in different modes (softener only, reverse-osmosis only, or both together) and simplifies the hydraulic connections by providing a balanced flow distribution mechanism
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 configuration reduces space requirements, simplifies connections, and ensures optimal water treatment, achieving faultless machine operation and superior dishwashing results by fully demineralizing and softening water within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse-osmosis device (22) is provided downstream of the feed valve (21) in order to treat, in particular as required, at least some of the fresh water fed to the dishwasher (1) via the fresh-water connection (20)
Implementation Method 2
a backflow preventer (6) is provided between the feed valve (21) and the reverse-osmosis device (22) in order to prevent water from flowing back from the dishwasher (1) into a fresh-water-supply installation
Data Source
AI summary
A box-type dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher has a fresh-water connection with a feed valve, wherein a water-treatment system with a reverse-osmosis device is provided downstream of the feed valve in order to treat, in particular as required, as least some of the fresh water fed to the dishwasher via the fresh-water connection, wherein a backflow preventer is provided between the feed valve and the reverse-osmosis device in order to prevent water from flowing back from the dishwasher into a fresh-water-supply installation which is, or can be, flow- connected to the fresh-water connection.