Dishwasher Steam Generation Using Washing Pump Water Level Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face issues with heat exchange efficiency and heater durability due to foreign matter adherence and corrosion, especially when the heater is exposed to washing water, leading to suboptimal steam generation and washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a dishwasher that involves maintaining a certain water level within the washing pump to generate steam, where the washing pump is connected to a steam nozzle and the water level is managed to prevent overheating, with a check valve controlling water flow and a heater that preheats water before steam generation, ensuring efficient steam discharge and reduced energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heater is exposed to the inside of the sump to contact the washing water for heating, then the heater can heat the washing water to generate hot water or steam, but the water level inside the sump must be controlled so that the heater is not exposed to prevent overheating, and heat transfer is possible only when the heater is in contact with the washing water, which lowers heat exchange efficiency as foreign matter adheres to the surface and deteriorates durability through corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is extracted from the sump environment and relocated to the washing pump. This removes the heater from direct contact with washing water in the sump, eliminating corrosion and foreign matter adherence issues while maintaining heating functionality through controlled water level management in the pump
Solution Approach 2:
The washing pump serves as an intermediary medium between the heater and the washing water in the sump. The heater heats water within the pump chamber, which then circulates to the sump, providing thermal transfer without direct heater-sump water contact
2Reliability
If the heater is installed on the washing pump to heat washing water inside the pump, then the heater can generate hot water or steam without being exposed to the sump, but appropriate control is required to achieve steam generation and maintain water level to prevent overheating
Solution Approach 1:
A water level detection mechanism provides feedback to the control system to monitor water level in the washing pump. When the water level drops below the heater, the controller activates the washing pump to refill the chamber, ensuring continuous heat transfer and preventing heater overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The washing pump performs dual functions: it circulates washing water during normal operation and automatically refills the heater chamber when water level drops during steam generation, eliminating the need for separate water level management systems
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 method enhances steam generation efficiency, prevents overheating, and maintains heater durability by managing water levels and flow, resulting in improved washing performance and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
the heater heats the washing water inside the pump to generate hot water or steam
Implementation Method 2
the washing water is moved to the spray arm by the pumping operation of a washing pump installed inside the sump
Implementation Method 3
the washing water moved to the spray arm is sprayed at high pressure through a spray hole formed in the spray arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) for washing the dishes or the cooking utensils by spraying washing water and steam and a controlling method therefor. The dishwasher (1) comprises a plurality of spray arms (13, 14, 15) for spraying washing water, a steam nozzle (195) for spraying steam, a sump (100) for storing the washing water, and a washing pump (150) for sending the washing water stored in the sump (100) to the tub (12). The method of controlling the dishwasher includes: a steam supply step of supplying washing water to the sump (100) from an external water source; and a steam generation step of maintaining a water level of the washing water existing inside the washing pump (150) at a certain water level or higher and heating the washing water to form steam.