Dishwasher Steam Rack Design for Direct High-Temperature Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face difficulties in directly applying steam for high-temperature cleaning or sterilization to items placed in racks, as steam is not effectively sprayed to the washing targets.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design that includes a steam nozzle inclined on the door or tub surface, a second rack positioned to receive steam directly, and multiple steam nozzles and support frames to facilitate steam cleaning, allowing for the placement of washing targets to be cleaned by steam within the dishwasher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is discharged uniformly to the washing chamber, then the washing chamber is filled with steam for sterilization, but the washing target cannot be directly influenced by the steam for effective high-temperature cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing chamber into two separate rack systems: a first rack for water washing and a second rack for steam cleaning. This segmentation allows steam to be directly applied to washing targets in the second rack while maintaining overall sterilization effectiveness in the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized steam cleaning environment in the second rack by positioning steam nozzles to directly face the rack. This provides concentrated steam exposure to washing targets in the second rack while other areas receive uniform steam for general sterilization.
2Productivity
If a second rack for steam cleaning is added, then direct steam cleaning capability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second rack serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure for washing targets, a steam distribution chamber, and a heating element support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second rack is positioned within the washing chamber space, nesting the steam cleaning function within the existing dishwasher structure. The rack utilizes the available vertical and horizontal space efficiently without requiring external additions that would increase complexity.
3Productivity
If steam nozzles are positioned to directly spray washing targets, then direct steam cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the steam distribution uniformity in the washing chamber deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments steam delivery into two paths: one through the second rack for direct cleaning and another through the washing chamber for uniform distribution. This allows both direct effectiveness and uniform coverage to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam nozzle configuration provides localized concentrated steam delivery to the second rack while the overall washing chamber maintains uniform steam distribution for general sterilization. Different regions of the washing chamber have different steam characteristics tailored to their specific cleaning needs.
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
Enables direct steam cleaning of washing targets, enhancing disinfection capabilities while utilizing the structure of conventional dishwashers, allowing for effective steam distribution and cleaning of items placed in the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that heats a part of the washing water stored in the sump and generates steam
Implementation Method 2
a steam nozzle that is disposed in a circumferential surface of the door or the tub and supplies the steam generated by the heater to the washing chamber
Implementation Method 3
The washing water is moved to the spray nozzle by the pumping action of a washing pump mounted inside the sump, and the washing water moved to the spray nozzle is sprayed at a high pressure through a spray hole formed in the spray nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwasher (10) includes: a case forming an outer shape; a tub (16) that is provided inside the case and forms a washing chamber (16a) in which a washing target is accommodated; a door (14) that is provided in a front surface of the tub and opens and closes the washing chamber; a sump (40) that is disposed below the tub and stores washing water; at least one spray nozzle (20, 22, 24) for spraying the washing water stored in the sump into a space inside the tub; a heater (62) that heats a part of the washing water stored in the sump and generates steam; a steam nozzle (70) that is disposed in a circumferential surface of the door or the tub and supplies the steam generated by the heater to the washing chamber; a first rack (30) that is disposed in the washing chamber, and in which the washing target washed by the washing water sprayed from the spray nozzle is placed; and a second rack (80) that is disposed in the washing chamber, and in which the washing target washed by the steam supplied from the steam nozzle is placed, wherein the second rack is disposed in a position where the steam discharged from the steam nozzle is supplied to the inside of the second rack through one side surface among a lower surface or a circumferential surface of the second rack.