Dishwasher Splash Guard Labyrinth for Steam Flow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic dishwashers face a challenge in designing a splash guard that balances the need for large openings to facilitate steam transfer with minimal pressure loss during drying, while preventing washing liquor from entering the steam condenser.
Innovation Solution
A splash guard with a labyrinth arrangement featuring concentric rings and ribs oriented at angles deviating from the radial direction, creating an annular gap for steam passage and obstructing washing liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the passage openings of the splash guard are designed large, then the air flow during drying operation can enter the steam condenser with low pressure loss and steam extraction is efficient, but washing liquor can more easily enter the steam condenser undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The splash guard is segmented into multiple functional elements: an outer ring with large passage openings for steam and air flow, an inner ring with smaller openings, and radial ribs connecting them. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different purposes - the outer region facilitates efficient steam transfer while the inner region and ribs provide contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension to the splash guard design by incorporating radial ribs that extend from the inner ring to the outer ring. These ribs create a three-dimensional labyrinth structure that forces washing liquor to traverse a longer, more complex path while maintaining large annular passages for steam and air flow in the radial direction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the passage openings are designed small, then washing liquor entry is prevented, but air flow pressure loss increases and steam extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the splash guard have different opening sizes and flow resistance characteristics. The outer annular region has large openings optimized for steam and air flow, while the inner region has smaller openings and radial ribs that provide higher flow resistance to washing liquor. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial ribs are positioned to intercept washing liquor before it can reach the inner ring openings. The ribs create preliminary flow obstacles that redirect and slow down washing liquor, forcing it to follow a longer path through the labyrinth structure before potentially reaching the steam condenser.
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
The design allows for efficient steam transfer with low pressure loss and effective retention of washing liquid, ensuring reliable separation between the washing compartment and steam condenser.
Implementation Method 1
The rings are spaced from each other leaving a gap in the thickness direction. In this way, an annular gap is created which, in contrast to the prior art, provides an enlarged opening for the purpose of conveying drying air with the lowest possible pressure loss and for the purpose of vapor extraction. The ribs connecting the rings serve as a flow obstacle for the washing liquid to be held back by the splash guard.
Implementation Method 2
Due to the alignment of the ribs according to the invention, it is achieved that in the washing chamber of the dishwasher spray water released via the spray arms, regardless of its trajectory, always hits a rib section that is orthogonally aligned in relation to the trajectory, as a result of which the kinetic energy of the spray water is reduced to such an extent that it can no longer flow through the labyrinth arrangement of the splash guard into the steam condenser.
Data Source
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AI summary
The dishwasher has a rinsing container which is in fluid communication with steam condenser. A splash guard (1) is provided for rinsing space-lateral Cover of the exhaust port. The splash guard has a labyrinth structure (2) with a cover. The labyrinth structure is provided between the primary ring (4) and secondary ring (5). The rings are concentric and are spaced apart from each other, leaving a gap in the thickness direction (13). The rings are connected by the joint ribs (6). The ribs in the longitudinal extent, partially deviating from the radial direction of rings are aligned.