Dishwasher Tub Moisture Removal With Fan-Driven Steam Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in efficiently drying dishes while maintaining quiet operation, as they often require complex systems to manage moisture and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher incorporates a fan to direct cooling air along the outer walls for condensation and a steam extraction device to remove steam-laden air, combining these measures with a soundproofing design that mixes cooling and exhaust air, and allows for adjustable fan speeds for varying operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fan is used to extract steam-enriched air from the tub, then drying efficiency is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam extraction function and cooling air circulation function into a single fan system. The fan simultaneously extracts steam-enriched air from the tub and circulates cooling air along the outer walls, merging two functions into one component to reduce overall system complexity and potentially noise levels while maintaining drying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces soundproofing material as an intermediary element between the fan and the external environment. This soundproofing layer absorbs and dampens the noise generated by the fan, allowing the fan to operate at effective speeds for steam extraction while preventing excessive noise from propagating to the surrounding environment
2Productivity
If cooling air is routed along the tub walls to condense moisture, then drying efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam extraction function and cooling air circulation function into a single fan system. The fan simultaneously extracts steam-enriched air from the tub and circulates cooling air along the outer walls, merging two functions into one component to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining drying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fan is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a steam extraction device and a cooling air circulation device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving both steam removal and moisture condensation on tub walls
3Productivity
If the fan is positioned to optimize steam extraction, then drying efficiency is improved, but soundproofing space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces soundproofing material as an intermediary element between the fan and the external environment. This soundproofing layer absorbs and dampens the noise generated by the fan, allowing the fan to operate at effective speeds for steam extraction while preventing excessive noise from propagating to the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 2:
The soundproofing material is applied locally around the fan in the rear area rather than throughout the entire dishwasher. This localized approach provides adequate noise isolation for the fan while preserving space in other areas of the appliance
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 enables efficient drying, reduces moisture in exhaust air, and maintains quiet operation by effectively using cooling air and steam extraction, while providing flexibility in operation modes through adjustable fan speeds and soundproofing.
Implementation Method 1
cooling air can be routed along the tub from the outside... so that moisture can condense there
Implementation Method 2
a device, generally referred to as a steam extraction device, which connects an outlet opening in the vat to a vacuum area. The negative pressure area is an area in which a lower pressure can be generated with the fan than there is in the vat
Implementation Method 3
the cooling air and moist air from the tub are mixed, so that the degree of moisture in the exhaust air can be reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A fan (7) is provided in the dishwasher, with which cooling air can be conveyed along at least one outer wall of the tub (1). Furthermore, a steam vent (16) is provided, which connects an outlet opening (18) in the tub (1) to a negative pressure area (19) of the fan (7). This allows air laden with steam to be extracted from the vat (1). This makes it possible to efficiently remove moisture from the tub (1). In addition, the cooling air and humid air from the tub are mixed, so that the degree of humidity in the exhaust air can be reduced.