Dishwasher Pump Check Valve for Steam Retention and Heater Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face issues with heat exchange efficiency and heater durability due to foreign matter adherence and corrosion, as the heater is exposed to washing water, leading to overheating and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a check valve between the sump and washing pump, allowing washing water to flow to the pump while preventing steam from returning, with a heater integrated into the washing pump to generate steam without losing it to the sump, ensuring efficient steam generation and water flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heater is exposed to the inside of the sump to contact the washing water, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the heater surface is corroded and foreign matter adheres to it, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water level control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the heater and the washing water. By maintaining a specific water level, the heater remains partially exposed to water for heat exchange while preventing direct contact with foreign matter in the sump, thus protecting durability while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is positioned such that only a specific portion of its surface contacts the washing water, while other portions remain exposed to air. This local differentiation allows heat exchange to occur at the water-contacting surface while the exposed surfaces avoid corrosion and foreign matter adherence
2Reliability
If the heater is installed on the washing pump to avoid corrosion, then heater durability is improved, but steam may flow out through the washing water flow path
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is installed between the sump and the washing pump as an intermediary component. This valve allows washing water to flow into the pump but prevents steam generated by the heater from flowing back through the washing water path, thus eliminating steam loss while maintaining heater protection
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve provides dynamic flow control, automatically opening to allow water inflow during washing operations and closing to prevent steam escape during heating operations, adapting to different operational states
3Temperature
If the washing pump stores washing water temporarily, then steam generation is enabled, but the pump must prevent steam from flowing out through the washing water flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve serves as a simple intermediary component that enables the washing pump to temporarily store washing water for steam generation without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or additional valves, thus adding minimal structural complexity while achieving the desired function
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 enhances heat exchange efficiency and maintains heater durability by preventing steam loss and foreign matter exposure, allowing for effective steam generation and water circulation within the washing pump.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which heats the washing water to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a check valve which is disposed between the sump and the washing pump and opened in a direction of the washing pump from the sump
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher for washing the dishes and the cooking utensils by spraying washing water and steam. The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tub which accommodates a washing object, a sump which is disposed in a bottom of the tub and stores washing water, a spray arm which sprays the washing water into the tub, a washing pump which sends the washing water stored in the sump to the spray arm, and a check valve which is disposed between the sump and the washing pump and opened in a direction of the washing pump from the sump.