Dishwasher Blower Duct Outlet Caps for Heater-Free Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in drying cycles, relying on dehumidifiers that require heating processes, increasing energy consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher incorporates multiple blower fans and a blower duct system with adjustable outlet caps to direct air flow, enabling efficient moisture removal through forced convection without a separate heater, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dehumidifier with heating process is used for drying dishes, then drying function is achieved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the drying system, eliminating the need for a separate heater. The drying process relies solely on air circulation through the blower fan, removing the energy-intensive heating component while maintaining effective moisture removal from dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the blower fan to generate air flow that naturally circulates through the tub and evaporates moisture from dishes. The evaporated moisture is then discharged outside, creating a self-sufficient drying process that doesn't require external heating energy input.
2Reliability
If a dehumidifier with heating process is used for drying dishes, then drying function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating components and associated control systems are completely removed from the drying mechanism. The patent achieves drying functionality using only the blower fan and duct system, significantly reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower fan serves multiple functions: it generates air flow for drying, circulates air throughout the tub, and facilitates moisture evaporation and discharge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and drying components, reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple outlet caps are used to discharge air in multiple directions, then drying efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cap is divided into multiple independent cap portions, each capable of being positioned in different directions. This segmentation allows air to be discharged in multiple directions simultaneously, improving drying efficiency by directing air flow toward different areas of the tub and dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet cap portions are designed to be rotatable or adjustable, allowing dynamic positioning to optimize air discharge directions based on different drying needs. This dynamic capability enhances drying efficiency without requiring complex fixed structures for each discharge direction.
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 approach enhances drying efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for additional heating components, while improving air circulation and moisture evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
enabling efficient moisture removal through forced convection
Implementation Method 2
configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub, a blower fan configured to blow air into the tub, and a blower duct configured to guide air blown by the blower fan to flow. The blower duct includes an inlet and an outlet. The dishwasher includes an outlet cap to cover the outlet, and configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet, the outlet cap comprising a first outlet cap and a second outlet cap. The outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet spaced apart from the first outlet. The blower duct further includes an outlet cap coupling portion configured to guide the first outlet cap to a first seating position where the first outlet cap is coupled to the first outlet and to guide the second outlet cap to a second seating position where the outlet cap is coupled to the second outlet.