Dishwasher Steam Control for Low-Pressure Residue Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dish washing machines face challenges in efficiently removing food residue without damaging dishes, as high spray pressure can break dishes and increase water and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a steam generator to soften food residue, allowing for effective cleaning at lower water pressure, with a control method to detect and manage abnormal steam generator operations to prevent damage and maintain efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the spray pressure of wash water is increased to improve washing efficiency, then the ability to remove food residue is enhanced, but the dishes may be damaged or broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddish damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The steam generator is activated before the high-pressure water spray to pre-soften food residue on dishes. This preliminary steaming action prepares the dishes for subsequent washing at lower pressures, preventing damage while maintaining washing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Steam acts as an intermediary substance between the washing system and the dishes. The steam softens the food residue, making it easier to remove with water spray, thereby reducing the need for high-pressure water that could damage delicate dishes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the spray pressure of wash water is increased to improve washing efficiency, then the ability to remove food residue is enhanced, but the amount of wash water required is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidwash water consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Steam is generated and applied to dishes before the water spray phase, pre-softening food residue and reducing the water pressure and volume needed for effective washing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of water from liquid spray to vapor (steam) for the pre-treatment phase, then uses a controlled amount of liquid water for the washing phase, optimizing water usage efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the spray pressure of wash water is increased to improve washing efficiency, then the ability to remove food residue is enhanced, but the power consumption of the pump is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidpump power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The steam generator pre-processes the food residue before water spraying begins, reducing the work required by the pump during the washing phase and thereby lowering overall power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces part of the mechanical water spray action with thermal steam treatment, reducing the reliance on high-power pumps and mechanical forcing for food residue removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the steam generator operates continuously to maintain washing efficiency, then steam is always available for softening food residue, but abnormal operations may cause damage or safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidsteam generator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors steam generator operation and automatically terminates steam supply when abnormal conditions are detected, preventing safety issues while maintaining washing efficiency during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system prepares to terminate steam supply in advance by having detection mechanisms in place that can quickly respond to abnormal operations, preventing potential damage before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 use of steam enhances washing efficiency while reducing the risk of dish damage and energy consumption, ensuring the dish washing machine can complete cycles even if the steam generator operates abnormally.

Implementation Method 1

a steam generator having a heater mounted therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

supplying steam, generated by a first steam generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a steam generator having a heater mounted therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8425685B2Method for controlling a dish washing machine

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A dish washing machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The control method of a dish washing machine includes supplying water into a washing compartment through spray arms, a first supplying steam, generated by a first steam generator, into the washing compartment, and when the abnormal operation of the steam generator is detected, terminating the operation of the first stem generator.