Dishwasher Pump Selector Valve for Separate Steam Discharge
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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, and the performance of pumps deteriorates when steam is discharged through the same flow path as washing water.
Innovation Solution
A pump with a selector valve that blocks washing water discharge and allows steam discharge, featuring a valve body with a flow path, valve seat, and valve ball to separate steam and water flow paths, ensuring efficient steam generation without compromising pump performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heater is installed in the pump to generate steam, then steam generation capability is improved, but pump performance deteriorates due to washing water flowing through the steam discharge path
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into two separate functional chambers: a water discharge chamber for washing water circulation and a steam discharge chamber for steam generation and discharge. This segmentation allows the pump to perform both water pumping and steam generation functions simultaneously without interference between the two fluid paths
Solution Approach 2:
A selector valve acts as an intermediary component to control fluid flow direction. The valve includes a valve body with separate flow paths, a valve seat, and a valve ball that can selectively block or open paths to direct washing water through the water discharge path or allow steam through the steam discharge path, preventing contamination of the steam path by washing water
2Temperature
If a heater is installed inside the sump to heat washing water, then hot water generation is improved, but heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to foreign matter adherence and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is extracted from the sump environment and relocated to the pump housing. This removes the heater from direct contact with washing water containing foreign matter, eliminating the problems of foreign matter adherence and corrosion while maintaining the heater's ability to generate steam through the heating element
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing acts as an intermediary chamber between the heater and the washing water. The heater heats water in the pump chamber, and the heated water or generated steam is then discharged through the steam discharge path, preventing direct contact between the heater surface and contaminated washing water in the sump
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 prevents washing water from being discharged with steam, maintaining pump performance and heat exchange efficiency, while ensuring smooth steam passage and preventing water blockage, thus enhancing the dishwasher's cleaning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a heater coupled to the housing to heat the washing water in the housing and generate steam
Implementation Method 2
an impeller disposed in the housing to discharge the washing water from the washing water inlet pipe to the washing water outlet pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pump for transmitting washing water and generating steam and a dishwasher including the pump. The pump includes : a housing (82); a washing water inlet pipe (841) coupled to the housing (82) to receive washing water; a washing water outlet pipe (849) coupled to the housing (82) to discharge the washing water; an impeller (85) disposed in the housing (82) to discharge the washing water from the washing water inlet pipe (841) to the washing water outlet pipe (849); a heater (81) coupled to the housing (82) to heat the washing water in the housing (82) and generate steam; a steam discharge pipe (845) to discharge the steam generated by the heater (81); and a selector valve (83) coupled to the steam discharge pipe (845) 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.