Dishwasher Pump Steam Path Switching to Protect Heater and Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face issues with heater overheating and reduced heat exchange efficiency due to foreign matter adherence and corrosion, and the performance of pumps deteriorates when steam is discharged through the same flow path used for washing water.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design incorporating a pump with a heater that generates steam, featuring a selector valve to prevent washing water discharge and ensure steam is released, optimizing the steam discharge path to maintain pump performance and prevent water from entering the steam discharge pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heater is installed inside the sump to heat washing water, then hot water can be generated, but the heater is exposed to overheating risk and foreign matter adherence reduces heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing serves as an intermediary chamber between the sump and the steam discharge system. The heater is installed in the pump housing rather than directly in the sump, allowing it to heat washing water vapor that is drawn through the housing, thus avoiding direct contact with liquid water and foreign matter while still achieving heating function
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the sump for water storage, the pump housing for heating and steam generation, and the steam discharge path. This segmentation allows the heater to operate in a controlled environment within the pump housing without being exposed to the harsh conditions in the sump
2Reliability
If the heater is installed in the pump to generate steam, then steam can be produced without heater exposure to water, but washing water flows out through the steam discharge path causing pump performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A selector valve is introduced to dynamically switch the flow path based on operational mode. During steam generation mode, the selector valve directs vapor flow through the pump housing while blocking washing water from entering the steam discharge path. During washing mode, the valve redirects to allow washing water flow while preventing steam discharge
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow path qualities are created for different substances: the steam discharge path is optimized for vapor flow with the selector valve positioned to block liquid water entry, while the washing water path is optimized for liquid flow. This local optimization ensures each path handles its designated substance efficiently without interference
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 generates steam without compromising pump performance, ensuring efficient steam discharge and preventing water from interfering with the steam path, thus maintaining the dishwasher's operational efficiency and extending the heater's durability.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which is coupled to the housing and heats the washing water in the housing to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
an impeller which is disposed in the housing and discharges the washing water flowed into the washing water inlet pipe into the washing water outlet pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pump for transmitting washing water and generating steam and a dishwasher including the pump. The pump includes a housing; a washing water inlet pipe coupled to the housing to receive washing water; a washing water outlet pipe coupled to the housing to discharge the washing water; an impeller disposed in the housing to discharge the washing water from the washing water inlet pipe to the washing water outlet pipe; a heater coupled to the housing to heat the washing water in the housing and generate steam; a steam discharge pipe to discharge the steam generated by the heater; and a selector valve coupled to the steam discharge pipe to block the discharge of the washing water and allow the steam to be discharged, thereby preventing the discharge of washing water through the steam discharge pipe.