Dishwasher Steam Nozzle Layout for Uniform Tub Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in uniformly distributing steam within the washing tub, leading to inefficient heat energy diffusion and reduced washing force due to steam collision with dishes, which results in non-uniform temperature distribution and reduced washing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a steam nozzle positioned to spray steam between the gaps of dishes in a longitudinal direction, minimizing steam condensation and maximizing heat energy transfer by directing steam parallel to the dish rack's crests and troughs, allowing for uniform steam distribution and increased washing force without blocking the steam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the steam nozzle is located at a lateral side of the tub to increase moving distance, then the steam can be sprayed into the washing tub, but the condensing amount of steam is increased and heat energy is not uniformly diffused
Solution Approach 1:
The steam nozzle is positioned at the rear sidewall of the washing tub and sprays steam in the forward direction along the longitudinal axis of the tub. This dimensional repositioning allows steam to travel through the entire length of the tub, distributing heat energy uniformly across all dishes without excessive condensation, resolving the contradiction between spray coverage and energy loss
2Ease of operation
If the steam nozzle is positioned to spray steam directly at dishes, then the steam can be sprayed into the washing tub, but the steam collides with dishes and is not uniformly diffused
Solution Approach 1:
The steam nozzle is positioned to spray steam toward the entrance of the washing tub, allowing steam to first fill the empty space and then naturally diffuse through gaps between dishes. This creates different steam distribution zones: high concentration near the nozzle and gradual diffusion throughout the tub, ensuring uniform temperature distribution while maintaining spray effectiveness
3Quantity of substance
If the heater space is increased to generate more steam, then the steam generation capacity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher utilizes the washing water already present in the sump as the heat source for steam generation. The heater heats this existing water to produce steam, eliminating the need for separate water storage and heating systems. This self-service approach increases steam generation capacity while minimizing additional space requirements and device 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 design ensures uniform temperature distribution within the washing tub, enhances washing efficiency by maintaining steam in a gas state longer, reduces power consumption, and minimizes the space required for the heater, while reusing high-temperature water for improved energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which heats washing water received in the sump to generate a stream
Implementation Method 2
the steam is not uniformly diffused into the washing tub
Implementation Method 3
heat energy of the steam is not diffused into the tub
Implementation Method 4
if a moving distance is increased, a condensing amount of the steam is increased
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a washing tub to form a dish receiving space; a sump disposed at a lower side of the washing tub; a heater which heats washing water received in the sump to generate a stream; a dish rack disposed inside the washing tub so that a plurality of dishes are inserted and stand; and a steam nozzle disposed in a direction facing edges of the plurality of dishes to flow the stream between gaps of the dishes inserted into the dish rack.