Dishwasher Spray Distribution Control for Foam Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in reducing foam formation during operation, which leads to reduced delivery pressure and flushing capacity, affecting cleaning performance and increasing energy and water consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with at least two spray devices and a distribution unit controlled by a detection system that adjusts the volume flow of washing liquid to suppress foam formation by switching between different spray devices, reducing the tendency for foam to form and allowing existing foam to break down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the volume flow of washing liquid is increased to improve cleaning performance, then the flushing capacity is improved, but foam formation is promoted which ultimately reduces delivery pressure and flushing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of washing liquid among spray devices based on real-time foam detection. When foam is detected, the control unit redirects water flow from lower-rack spray devices to upper-rack or ceiling spray devices, creating a dynamic response that adapts washing conditions to current foam levels while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the distribution parameter of washing liquid volume flow to different spray devices based on foam detection. By altering which spray devices receive water flow and at what rates, the system modifies washing characteristics to suppress foam while preserving cleaning performance through optimized liquid distribution patterns.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If foam formation is suppressed by reducing volume flow or changing spray device distribution, then foam tendency is reduced, but cleaning performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching between different spray device configurations based on real-time foam detection. When foam is detected, the distribution is temporarily adjusted to suppress foam; when foam subsides, the distribution returns to optimize cleaning. This dynamic adaptation ensures cleaning performance is maintained while suppressing foam formation during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic adjustments to spray device distribution in response to foam detection cycles. The system monitors foam levels continuously and periodically redirects water flow to different spray devices, creating alternating phases of foam suppression and optimized cleaning that maintain overall cleaning performance while preventing excessive foam accumulation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a detection device and control system are added to suppress foam formation, then foam tendency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a foam detection device that provides real-time feedback to the control unit about foam formation in the washing liquid. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of water distribution to spray devices, creating a closed-loop control system that suppresses foam formation through responsive, automated decision-making based on actual foam conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the washing system to self-regulate foam formation through automated detection and control. The foam detection device monitors conditions and the control unit automatically adjusts spray device distribution without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself by detecting and correcting foam problems in real-time.
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
Effectively suppresses foam formation while maintaining optimal cleaning performance, reducing energy and water consumption by adjusting the distribution of washing liquid based on detected foam levels, ensuring consistent delivery pressure and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, in particular a circulating pump, for conveying washing liquid to the spray devices
Implementation Method 2
at least two spray devices arranged inside the washing compartment for applying washing liquid to the items to be washed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A dishwasher comprises a dishwashing compartment (1), at least two spray apparatuses (7, 8, 9) which are arranged inside the dishwashing compartment (1), a pump (13) for delivering dishwashing liquid to the spray apparatuses (7, 8, 9), a distributor unit (15) for distributing the dishwashing liquid to the spray apparatuses (7, 8, 9), wherein a volumetric flow rate of the dishwashing liquid is set in dependence on the distribution of the dishwashing liquid to the spray apparatuses (7, 8, 9). A control unit (17) for controlling the distributor unit (15) and a detection device (27) for detecting the formation of foam in the dishwashing liquid are also provided. When the formation of foam in the dishwashing liquid is detected, the distributor unit (15) is actuated in such a way that a volumetric flow rate of the dishwashing liquid is set which is lower than the current volumetric flow rate.