Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers face issues with noise and suboptimal drying performance due to the permanent passage opening for air flow between the washing compartment and the worktop, which affects acoustic properties and preheating efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A movable seal is introduced to control the passage opening, allowing it to be closed before the door is opened, reducing noise and optimizing drying by ensuring the cooling air flow is used exclusively for condensation drying, and preheating the worktop only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a permanent passage opening is provided for air flow between the washing compartment and worktop, then the worktop can be preheated before door opening, but noise from the washing compartment leaks to the exterior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworktop preheatingVSAvoidnoise leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The passage opening is transformed from a permanent static opening to a dynamic opening that can be opened or closed as needed. A movable seal element is introduced that can be positioned to close the passage opening during washing operations (reducing noise) and opened during drying operations (allowing worktop preheating). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage opening operates periodically - closed during washing phases and opened during drying phases. The movable seal is actuated at appropriate times to open the passage for preheating the worktop before door opening, then closed again to prevent noise leakage during subsequent washing operations. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both noise reduction and preheating benefits at different times in the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the passage opening is permanently open to allow cooling air flow, then drying performance is maintained, but acoustic properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidacoustic noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element provides dynamic control over the passage opening, allowing the system to switch between open and closed states. During drying operations, the passage remains open to maintain cooling air flow and drying performance. During washing operations, the passage is closed to eliminate noise leakage, thus achieving both goals at appropriate times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage opening is opened periodically during drying phases to maintain productivity, then closed during washing phases to reduce noise. This periodic opening and closing of the passage, controlled by the movable seal, allows the system to optimize both drying performance and acoustic properties throughout the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the passage opening is closed to reduce noise, then acoustic properties improve, but worktop preheating capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidworktop preheating
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The movable seal enables the passage opening to transition between closed and open states dynamically. The system closes the passage during washing to reduce noise, then opens it before door opening to enable worktop preheating. This dynamic state change allows both noise reduction and preheating functionality to be preserved at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage opening is opened in advance before the door is opened to preheat the worktop. The movable seal is actuated to open the passage at this preliminary stage, allowing heat to transfer to the worktop before the door opening event occurs. After preheating is complete, the passage is closed again to reduce noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-generated harmful factors

If a movable seal is introduced to control the passage opening, then both noise reduction and preheating are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidseal mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable seal is designed to be actuated automatically by the door's own movement. When the door is opened or closed, it directly actuates the seal mechanism through mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for separate motors, sensors, or control systems. The door's motion itself provides the actuating force, simplifying the overall control system while still achieving noise reduction and preheating functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The door serves multiple functions: it provides access to the washing compartment, acts as a structural component, and simultaneously serves as the actuating mechanism for the movable seal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving the desired noise reduction and preheating control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively reduces noise and enhances drying performance by preventing external air discharge and ensuring efficient use of cooling air flow, while maintaining acoustic and thermal benefits.

Implementation Method 1

the worktop protruding beyond the dishwasher on the door side is heated up, which increases the dew point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the moisture condenses from the warm, moist process air, ie the vapors inside the washing compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3243421B1Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3243421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3243421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3243421B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing compartment (2) that provides a washing compartment (3) and has a loading opening (5) for loading with items to be washed, which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a pivotably mounted door, with a device for automatic, column-by-column Opening of the door (6) and with a blower (7) for generating an air flow (9), with a passage opening (11) on the door side between the washing compartment (2) and a worktop (10) arranged on top of the washing compartment (2) for the passage of a Part (12) of the cooling air flow (9) generated by the fan (7) is provided, which can be closed by a movable seal (20).