Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing a quick cycle in a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers require a significant amount of time to complete a cycle, and existing methods to shorten this time either increase costs, require special power supplies, or consume additional energy.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher is configured to spray water onto dishware while filling, overfill with warm water to enhance thermal energy transfer, and use a siphon break device to remove cooled water, allowing for a pulsed operation of the circulation pump and heating element to optimize detergent activity and reduce cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the dishwasher uses a normal cycle, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but cycle time is long (hour or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water using the heating element before the main wash cycle begins. This pre-heating action reduces the time required for thermal energy transfer during the actual washing process, enabling shorter cycle times while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump operates in pulsed cycles rather than continuously, creating periodic water circulation patterns. This periodic action maintains effective water movement for cleaning while reducing overall energy consumption and allowing for shorter effective wash periods.
2Loss of time
If a supplemental water tank with hot water is added, then cycle time is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it heats water during the fill phase, maintains water temperature during circulation, and can provide additional heating during extended cycles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rapid heating systems or supplemental tanks, reducing device complexity while enabling shorter cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher uses its own heating element and water circulation system to rapidly heat and circulate water during the wash cycle, rather than relying on external hot water tanks or supplemental heating systems. The system serves its own heating needs through integrated components.
3Power
If higher amperage or voltage power supply is used, then water heating speed increases, but installation requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the heating element and circulation pump based on cycle phase and water temperature needs. By optimizing the timing and intensity of heating during different phases (fill, wash, rinse), the system achieves effective water heating using standard power supplies without requiring higher amperage or voltage installations.
4Productivity
If the circulation pump runs continuously, then water circulation is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously, creating sufficient water circulation for effective washing during each pulse. This periodic operation maintains cleaning effectiveness while significantly reducing the total energy consumption of the pump throughout the cycle.
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 allows for a significantly shorter dishwasher cycle without increasing costs or energy consumption, effectively cleaning dishware in less than half the time of a standard cycle while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
activating the at least one heating element to heat the water within the tub
Implementation Method 2
pulsing the circulation pump based on a predetermined timing sequence to circulate the water within the tub
Implementation Method 3
spray arms and spray jets to propel water onto the dishware to remove food particles
Implementation Method 4
propel water onto the dishware to remove food particles
Implementation Method 5
a siphon break device may be used to remove cold water from the tub
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher, dishwasher configured for running the shortened dishwashing cycle and computer program product for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher. The dishwasher (10) includes a tub (12) configured to hold dishware during a dishwashing cycle, at least one circulation pump (50, 250), at least one heating element (230), and a controller (40, 240) configured to operate the dishwasher. The controller (40, 240) is configured to operate the dishwasher (10) according to at least one of a normal dishwashing cycle or the shortened dishwashing cycle. The method includes providing a first amount of warm water to the tub (12). The first amount of warm water is greater than a standard amount of water provided to the tub (12) for the normal dishwashing cycle. The method further includes, while the first amount of warm water is being provided into the tub (12), pulsing the circulation pump (50, 250) based on a predetermined timing sequence and activating the heating element (230) to heat the water within the tub (12).