Dishwasher Shared Fan for Condensation Drying and Heat Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic dishwashers have a complex structure with multiple fans for condensation drying and heat pump devices, leading to increased manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as space requirements and potential moisture-related issues.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a single fan that serves both as a drying fan for the condensation dryer and a heat pump fan, with an air switching device to direct airflow for heating and drying phases, eliminating the need for a second fan and optimizing space within the dishwasher.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate fans are used (one for condensation dryer, one for heat pump device), then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidnumber of fans
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate fans (condensation dryer fan and heat pump device fan) into a single common fan. This fan is positioned to serve both functions: it draws outside air for the heat pump evaporator and also provides airflow for condensation drying by directing air over the washing compartment wall. The merging eliminates redundant components while maintaining both drying and heat pump functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common fan is designed with multi-functionality to perform both the condensation drying function and the heat pump air intake function. By positioning the fan to draw outside air that can be routed to both the evaporator and the condensation drying path, a single component achieves what previously required two separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two separate fans are used, then each fan can be dedicated to its specific task, but production and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvededicated function performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the condensation dryer fan and heat pump fan into one common fan, directly reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers production costs and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the dedicated performance needed for both functions through proper airflow routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If two separate fans are used, then each component has sufficient space for optimization, but the total installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent design freedomVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining two fans into one, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by fan components and their associated housings. The common fan is strategically positioned to access outside air and serve both the heat pump evaporator and condensation drying functions, freeing up installation space within the dishwasher structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration reduces production and assembly costs, provides additional installation space, and ensures efficient drying of both the items and the evaporator, preventing moisture-related contamination and odor issues.

Implementation Method 1

guide it through an evaporator for the purpose of heat transfer. The heat pump device heats up washing liquor, drawing heat from the outside air surrounding the automatic dishwasher

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

this serves to apply external air to a washing compartment wall, which leads to cooling of the washing compartment wall with the result that moist air inside the washing compartment can condense out on the inside of the washing compartment wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP2777471B1Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2777471B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2777471B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2777471B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container (25) providing a washing chamber (6), a condensation dryer (27) for supplying outside air to a washing container wall (26) and a heat pump device (13) for heating the washing liquor, characterized in that the condensation dryer (27) and the heat pump device (13) have a common fan (21).