Dishwasher Steam Generation Layout for Odor-Free Food Waste Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face issues with odor emission, reduced heater lifespan, increased power consumption, and inefficient removal of food waste, particularly grains like rice, due to heating water and detergent in the sump.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam generation unit outside the tub that supplies steam into the dishwasher, with a water chamber and flow control units to manage steam generation based on the number of dishes, improving washing efficiency and reducing washing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washing water stored in the sump is heated to improve washing performance, then food waste removal effectiveness is improved, but offensive odor is emitted and heater service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steam generation function from the sump heater system. A separate steam generation unit is installed that draws water from the sump and generates steam independently, preventing the sump heater from directly heating contaminated washing water. This separates the heating function from the contaminated water environment, eliminating odor generation while maintaining washing effectiveness through steam application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces steam as an intermediary substance. Instead of directly heating washing water in the sump, the system generates steam separately and uses it to heat the washing water indirectly. This intermediary steam transfer mechanism allows heat application without direct contact between the heater and contaminated water, preventing odor emission and extending heater lifespan.
2Reliability
If a large amount of water stored in the sump is heated to improve washing performance, then food waste removal effectiveness is improved, but power consumption and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary amount of water from the sump for steam generation, rather than heating all the washing water. The steam generation unit draws a controlled amount of water, converts it to steam, and uses the steam to heat the remaining washing water indirectly. This selective water extraction and steam-mediated heating dramatically reduces the energy required compared to heating the entire volume of sump water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water to steam. By converting a small amount of water to steam and then allowing the steam to condense and release latent heat to the washing water, the system efficiently transfers energy. This phase change mechanism provides high heating efficiency with minimal energy input compared to direct heating of large water volumes.
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 steam effectively removes food waste and sterilizes dishes, reduces washing time, and stabilizes water supply, enhancing washing performance while minimizing energy consumption and extending heater lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generation unit provided at an outside of the tub and generating steam that will be supplied to the tub
Implementation Method 2
the food waste adhered to the dishes sucks moisture form the high temperature steam, the food waste adhered to the dishes can be easily removed from the dishes
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a tub for receiving dishes, a steam generation unit provided at an outside of the tub and generating steam that will be supplied to the tub, a steam passage along which the steam generated from the steam generation unit is supplied to the tub, and a chamber for storing water used for generating the steam.