Dishwasher Steam Generator Residual Water Discharge for Component Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dish washing machines face challenges in effectively removing food particles and residues without damaging dishes due to high spray pressure and inefficiency with excessive water usage, and the buildup of impurities in steam generators can damage components.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a steam generator with a residual water outlet and a pump system that discharges residual water, positioned to minimize damage to the pump and heater, and using steam to enhance washing efficiency without increasing water pressure or water usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spray pressure of wash water is increased to improve washing capability, then food particles and residues are removed more effectively, but dishes may break or become damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capabilityVSAvoiddamage to dishes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces steam as an intermediary substance between the wash water and dishes. The steam generator produces steam that is supplied to the dish washing space, allowing thermal and humid treatment of dishes without requiring excessive mechanical spray pressure, thus achieving effective washing while preventing dish damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces part of the mechanical spray washing system with a thermal-humid steam treatment system. By using steam generation and supply mechanisms instead of relying solely on high-pressure mechanical spraying, the system achieves washing capability without the harmful mechanical stress that causes dish damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If spray pressure of wash water is increased to improve washing capability, then food particles and residues are removed more effectively, but the amount of wash water required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capabilityVSAvoidwash water consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces steam as an intermediary substance between the wash water and dishes. The steam generator produces steam that is supplied to the dish washing space, allowing thermal and humid treatment of dishes without requiring excessive mechanical spray pressure, thus achieving effective washing while preventing dish damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of water by converting it to steam through heating. This phase change allows the washing system to utilize thermal energy and humidity rather than relying solely on mechanical spray pressure and large volumes of liquid water, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If residual water is discharged from the steam generator to protect the heater and pump, then component lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidresidual water discharge system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing a residual water outlet that allows discharge of residual water before it can accumulate and cause damage to the heater and pump components. This preventive measure extends component lifespan by eliminating the harmful effect of residual water buildup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful residual water from the steam generator system through a dedicated residual water outlet and discharge pump. By separating and removing the residual water that would otherwise damage components, the system achieves reliable operation with minimal increase in complexity, as only the outlet and pump are added

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution allows for safe, efficient, and effective dish washing with reduced water pressure and water usage, while preventing damage to the pump and heater by removing impurities through controlled residual water discharge, thereby extending the machine's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a heater provided in the case for heating the water in the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a residual water discharging unit comprising a pump to discharge the residual water in the steam generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

a steam generator that supplies steam to the dish washing space to aid in washing the items

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2193739B1Dish washing machine with steam generator
Publication Date: 2013.04.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2193739B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2193739B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2193739B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Dish washing machine including a steam generator (300), which supplies steam during the washing procedure to aid in the washing of items in the dish washer. The dish washing machine is capable of discharging residual water from the steam generator (300) to remove impurities in the water contained therein. Discharging the residual water in the steam generator may be performed prior to, during or after the washing procedure in such a manner so as to protect other components from damage due to the high temperatures associated with the residual water.