Dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher designs face challenges in smoothly supplying steam due to the lower density of steam compared to washing water, leading to difficulties in discharging steam through pipes, which hinders the efficient operation of steam nozzles and affects the overall cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a steam discharge pipe formed above the washing water outflow pipe, with protrusions to guide steam flow and create an air trap, ensuring steam is directed to the steam nozzle while maintaining the flow of washing water through separate paths, using a switching valve and specialized pipe structures to enhance fastening and separate the flow of steam and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If steam is discharged through the same pipe as washing water, then the pipe structure is simplified, but the steam flow is hindered due to mixing with washing water
Solution Approach 1:
The common pipe is segmented into a washing water flow path and a steam flow path using partition walls. The partition wall divides the interior space of the pipe, allowing washing water and steam to flow separately through different sections of the same pipe structure, thus preventing mixing while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If steam discharge pipe is formed above washing water outflow pipe, then steam flow is improved due to lower density, but the pipe structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steam discharge pipe and washing water outflow pipe are merged into a single integrated pipe structure. The pipe has a common exterior configuration but contains separate interior flow paths for steam and washing water, combining the benefits of separate discharge (improved steam flow) with structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If protrusions are added to guide steam flow, then steam discharge efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Protrusions are added only at specific locations within the pipe where steam flow guidance is needed, rather than throughout the entire pipe structure. These localized protrusions create air traps and guide steam flow efficiently, improving discharge efficiency while minimizing the impact on manufacturing complexity.
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 allows for efficient and separate supply of steam and washing water to their respective nozzles, ensuring effective cleaning and sterilization without hindering the flow of washing water, thus improving the dishwasher's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
In order to separate the flow of the steam from a pipe through which the washing water is discharged, a pipe from which steam is discharged may be formed above the pipe through which the washing water is discharged, in consideration of the fact that the density of the steam is lower than that of the washing water.
Implementation Method 2
In order to solve such a problem, the present invention further provides a dishwasher in which the flow of steam is smoothly performed by the pipe through which steam is discharged by hindering the flow of steam around the pipe through it}
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes: a tub that defines an washing chamber; spray nozzles configured to spray washing water into the washing chamber; a sump configured to store washing water; a steam nozzle configured to supply steam to the washing chamber; a washing pump housing coupled to the sump and connected to the spray nozzles or the steam nozzle; a heater configured to heat washing water in the washing pump housing; a washing motor configured to rotate an impeller; a washing water outflow pipe defining an outflow path protruding outward from one side of the washing pump housing; a steam discharge pipe that extends from a discharge port defined at a circumferential surface of the washing water outflow pipe; and a first protrusion disposed in an upper portion of the outflow path and disposed downstream of the discharge port in a flow direction of the washing water.