Drying systems and methods including multi-directional air distribution for a dishwashing appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing appliances have incomplete and inconsistent air flow distribution during the drying cycle, leading to inefficient drying of articles in the wash chamber.
Innovation Solution
The dishwashing appliance incorporates an air handler that selectively directs air flow through an inlet in two different directions, creating distinct air flow paths within the wash chamber to ensure comprehensive drying coverage, utilizing a combination of radial fans and an air distribution assembly with a diverter disk to alternate air flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed direction of air flow is provided by the air introduction assembly, then the structure is simple, but the coverage of articles in the wash chamber is incomplete and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The air introduction assembly incorporates a movable air distributor that can change the direction of air flow dynamically. The air distributor is positioned to be movable between multiple positions, allowing air to be directed along different paths through the wash chamber. This dynamic adjustment capability enables comprehensive and consistent coverage of articles during the drying cycle, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable drying coverage.
2Productivity
If air flows along a single defined path through the wash chamber, then the air distribution system is simple, but the drying efficiency is reduced due to incomplete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system divides the single air flow path into multiple segmented paths by positioning the movable air distributor to direct air along different routes. The air distributor can be moved to different positions to create distinct air flow paths that collectively cover the entire wash chamber volume. This segmentation of the air flow path enables comprehensive coverage and improved drying efficiency without requiring a completely complex multi-system architecture.
3Reliability
If a fixed air introduction assembly is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the drying uniformity across articles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The air introduction assembly incorporates a movable air distributor that can change position to direct air flow along multiple paths. This dynamic component allows a single manufactured assembly to provide varied air distribution patterns, achieving uniform drying across all articles. The movable mechanism is designed to be integrated into the assembly, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving drying uniformity compared to fixed assemblies.
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 solution provides improved air distribution, ensuring thorough drying of articles by alternating air flow paths, enhancing drying efficiency and consistency across the wash chamber.
Implementation Method 1
An air handler selectively urges air through the inlet in one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. The air flows from the inlet and through the wash chamber of the tub along a first defined path when the air handler urges air through the inlet in the first direction, and the air flows from the inlet and through the wash chamber of the tub along a second defined path when the air handler urges air through the inlet in the second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber. An inlet is defined in the tub and provides air flow into the wash chamber. An air handler selectively urges air through the inlet in one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. The air flows from the inlet and through the wash chamber of the tub along a first defined path when the air handler urges air through the inlet in the first direction, and the air flows from the inlet and through the wash chamber of the tub along a second defined path when the air handler urges air through the inlet in the second direction.