Dishwasher Shutter System Using Buoyant Force for Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers suffer from energy loss and insulation deformation due to continuous moisture discharge during the drying cycle, as high humidity air is vented out, leading to condensation on surfaces and inefficient drying.
Innovation Solution
A shutter system that uses buoyant force to control moisture discharge by partially or completely closing the vent opening during washing and rinsing cycles, allowing controlled humid air discharge and fresh air infiltration during drying, utilizing a lightweight shutter plate and water-filled box to manage air flow without energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vent is used to discharge humid air during the drying step, then moisture is removed from the dishwasher, but energy is lost and condensation occurs on external surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vent opening controllable rather than static. A shutter mechanism is introduced that can dynamically adjust the vent opening degree based on the drying cycle progress. The control unit receives signals from the humidity sensor and automatically adjusts the shutter position, enabling the system to optimize between moisture removal and energy conservation in real-time during the drying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using a humidity sensor to continuously monitor the internal humidity level and feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback signal and adjusts the shutter opening degree accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes venting based on actual drying conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary energy loss while maintaining effective moisture removal.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the vent opening is kept open during washing and rinsing, then humid air can be discharged, but heat and moisture are continuously lost leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vent opening is transformed from a static open state to a dynamic controllable state through the shutter mechanism. During washing and rinsing cycles, the control unit keeps the shutter closed or partially closed based on humidity sensor feedback, dynamically adjusting the opening degree to minimize heat and moisture loss while still preventing excessive moisture accumulation, thus resolving the contradiction between moisture discharge and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic action by controlling the vent opening in periodic cycles rather than keeping it continuously open. The shutter is opened periodically based on humidity thresholds detected by the sensor, allowing brief moisture discharge periods followed by closed states for heat conservation. This periodic opening-closing pattern reduces overall energy loss while still effectively managing moisture accumulation throughout the washing and rinsing phases.
3Productivity
If continuous moisture discharge is implemented, then humidity is controlled, but condensation forms on external surfaces causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism monitors internal humidity levels and adjusts the vent opening degree accordingly. By using the humidity sensor feedback, the system discharges moisture only when necessary to maintain optimal humidity levels, rather than continuously discharging. This precise feedback-controlled approach prevents excessive moisture discharge that would cause condensation on external surfaces, thereby protecting against deformation while still maintaining effective humidity control inside the dishwasher.
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 solution reduces energy loss, prevents moisture-related deformations, and enhances drying efficiency by managing humidity levels within the dishwasher, ensuring better drying performance and maintaining insulation integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A shutter system that uses buoyant force to control moisture discharge by partially or completely closing the vent opening during washing and rinsing cycles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a shutter system which enables the moisture in the washing tub to be discharged out of the dishwasher (1) in a controlled manner. The dishwasher (1) comprises a body; a washing tub which is provided in the body and wherein the washing process is performed; at least one spraying member which is provided in the washing tub and which provides the delivery of water to the dishes; a heater which is provided in the body and which provides the heating of the water delivered on the dishes; and at least one vent opening (2) which is positioned near or on the ceiling of the washing tub and which ensures that the moist air generated by the hot water is removed from the dishes when the drying step starts, wherein, to close the vent opening (2), a shutter system comprises • a box (3) which is placed under the vent opening (2); • a plate (4) which is manufactured from a material with a density less than water and which is placed in the box (3); • a water inlet opening (5) which enables the water to enter the box (3) and also enables the plate (4) to rise; and • a water discharge opening (6) which is arranged at the bottom of the box (3) and which enables the water to be discharged out of the box (3).