Sorption Drying Control in Dishwashers for Steam-Assisted Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwasher drying methods, such as condensation drying, require significant energy and do not utilize the energy released during the desorption process in sorption drying devices efficiently, limiting the energy savings and cleaning effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a dishwasher with a sorption drying device where the desorption process is optimized based on the selected cleaning program, using the released moisture as steam to enhance cleaning, and adjusting the heat supply duration and power according to the program to maximize cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If desorption process is carried out with fixed heat supply parameters, then the sorption drying device can release moisture, but the energy is not used profitably for cleaning quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiency of desorption processVSAvoidcleaning quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the heat supply parameters (power and duration) variable rather than fixed. The control device adjusts these parameters dynamically based on the selected cleaning program, allowing the desorption process to adapt to different cleaning requirements and optimize both energy efficiency and cleaning quality simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the desorption process by adjusting heat supply power and duration according to the cleaning program. This allows the system to optimize the balance between energy consumption and cleaning effectiveness for different washing scenarios, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and cleaning quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If desorption is performed before or during the first program section, then moisture is released quickly, but the energy expenditure may not be optimized for cleaning effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of moisture releaseVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the desorption process before or during the first program section, ensuring moisture is released in advance to support the cleaning process. The control device timing the desorption to occur when it can maximally benefit the subsequent cleaning operations, achieving both quick moisture release and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by integrating the desorption process with the cleaning program timeline. The moisture released during desorption continuously supports the cleaning process throughout the program sections, maximizing the utilization of the released moisture for cleaning effectiveness while optimizing energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the sorption drying device is used solely for drying, then drying efficiency is improved, but the released moisture during desorption is not utilized for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidenergy waste during desorption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the sorption drying device to serve multiple functions: both drying items and generating steam for cleaning. The control device coordinates the desorption process to occur at times when the released moisture can benefit cleaning operations, transforming a previously single-function device into a multi-functional system that eliminates energy waste.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful waste (moisture released during desorption) into a beneficial resource for cleaning. By timing the desorption process to coincide with or precede cleaning program sections, the system transforms the energy that would have been wasted into useful steam that enhances cleaning effectiveness, thereby eliminating energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 the efficient use of energy in the desorption process to improve cleaning quality by utilizing the released moisture as steam, achieving better cleaning results while minimizing additional energy expenditure.

Implementation Method 1

air circulating in the washing chamber is guided through a desiccant contained in the sorption drying device, also known as a sorption agent, and dehumidified

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the moisture absorbed by the sorbent during drying is removed from the sorption drying device in a desorption process and released into the wash compartment and thus returned with the wash liquor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentEP2769662B1Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2769662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2769662B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2769662B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves executing the desorption process of a sorption drying device (10) depending on the selected cleaning program of the dishwasher (1) for discharging moisture. The heat amount supplied to the desorption process of the sorption drying device is selected depending on the selected cleaning program of the dishwasher. The desorption process is carried out at the beginning of a heating phase of cleaning. The sorption drying device is used in a function as a steam generator for cleaning the items to be washed.