Dishwasher Reciprocating Basket Design for Small-Load Water Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are inefficient and wasteful when used for small loads, as they require a large volume and consume significant energy and water, leading to prolonged washing times.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a reciprocating basket mechanism that moves between injection and air nozzles, optimizing water and air distribution for efficient washing and drying of dishes, with a driving device powered by a motor and pulley system to reduce water and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional rotating nozzle is used to wash dishes, then a large amount of dishes can be washed at once, but the volume of the dishwasher increases and water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reciprocating basket mechanism that moves back and forth between spray bars, transforming the static washing chamber into a dynamic system. This allows a compact dishwasher to achieve effective washing coverage comparable to larger rotating nozzle systems, improving water utilization efficiency while maintaining washing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating basket performs periodic back-and-forth movements through the washing chamber, allowing multiple spray bars to sequentially contact different portions of the dishes. This periodic action distributes water more efficiently across the dish surface area, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness
2Area of stationary object
If multiple rotating nozzles with various radiuses are arranged to expand washing range, then more dishes can be washed, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple stationary nozzles with different rotation radii, the patent uses a single reciprocating basket that dynamically moves through the washing space. This dynamic approach covers the same area with a single water source, eliminating the need for multiple nozzles and reducing water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating basket serves multiple functions: it positions dishes under different spray bars, exposes different dish surfaces to water jets, and enables a single water supply system to service the entire washing area. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized nozzles
3Ease of operation
If a conventional dishwasher is used for small amount of dishes, then washing can be performed, but energy and water are wasted and washing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating basket mechanism allows the washing process to be completed with partial engagement of the washing system. For small loads, only a portion of the reciprocation cycle and a subset of spray bars are effectively utilized, reducing energy and water consumption proportionally while maintaining washing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system can adjust washing parameters such as reciprocation speed, number of cycles, and spray bar activation based on load size. This allows the dishwasher to optimize energy and water consumption for small loads by reducing operational intensity while still completing the washing task
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 design reduces washing time and energy consumption by ensuring precise water and air distribution for small loads, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
an injection nozzle located inside the washing tub to inject washing water to dishes
Implementation Method 2
an air nozzle provided at one side of the washing tub to inject air to the dishes... The air nozzle may inject the air to pressurize and remove humidity which remains on surfaces of the dishes using air pressure
Implementation Method 3
a belt which is connected to a driving pulley and an idle pulley and rotates to transfer the driving force of the motor to the basket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A dishwasher (1), wherein a washing operation and a drying operation are performed while a basket (90) which is located inside a washing tub (30) and accommodates dishes reciprocates in a vertical direction of a washing tub (30) due to a driving device (100). The basket (90) reciprocates in order to pass through injection nozzles (60) which inject washing water and air nozzles (70) which inject air to perform the washing operation while passing through the injection nozzles (60) and to perform the drying operation while passing through the air nozzles (70). Through this, a small amount of dishes may be washed and dried in a short time and the dishes may be washed using a small amount of water and energy.