Dishwasher Steam Generator Circuit With Self-Cleaning Flush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers with steam generators face issues of increased cost, bulkiness, and water consumption due to the complexity of the steam generation circuit, which includes additional components and risks of limescale buildup, leading to manufacturing and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a simplified steam generation circuit where the steam generator is located in a duct below the wash tank's maximum filling level, branching off from the delivery duct connecting the wash pump to the sprinkler, and featuring a valve for self-cleaning during the wash cycle, allowing automatic cleaning without additional components or increased water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steam generator with its own water reservoir and dedicated valve is used, then steam generation function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is integrated into the existing wash water circulation system by connecting it to the delivery duct between the wash pump and sprinklers. This merging eliminates the need for separate water reservoirs, dedicated supply valves, and independent flushing systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining steam generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator utilizes the existing wash water circulation infrastructure for multiple purposes: water supply during operation and automatic flushing during wash cycles. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If a steam generator with dedicated supply duct and valve is used, then steam generation reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is integrated into the existing wash water circulation system by connecting it to the delivery duct between the wash pump and sprinklers. This merging eliminates the need for separate water reservoirs, dedicated supply valves, and independent flushing systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining steam generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator utilizes the existing wash water circulation infrastructure for multiple purposes: water supply during operation and automatic flushing during wash cycles. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If network water is used to flush the steam generator, then limescale buildup is reduced, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles wash water that would otherwise be discarded to flush the steam generator. This approach eliminates the need for additional network water while effectively cleaning the steam generator, as the wash water provides sufficient flushing action during normal wash cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator self-flushes using the wash water circulation system during normal wash operations. The system automatically utilizes its own operational water flow to clean the steam generator components, eliminating the need for separate flushing systems or additional water consumption.
4Stress or pressure
If an additional pump is added upstream from the steam generator, then flushing pressure is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wash pump serves dual functions: it pumps water to the sprinklers for dish washing and simultaneously provides pressurized flushing flow through the steam generator. This eliminates the need for a dedicated flushing pump, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate flushing pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator utilizes the existing wash pump's output pressure for flushing during wash cycles. The system automatically leverages the operational water circulation pressure to clean the steam generator, eliminating additional pumping components.
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 enables automatic self-cleaning of the steam generator at the start of the wash cycle, reducing the need for extra components and water consumption, thereby addressing the drawbacks of increased cost and bulkiness while maintaining effective steam generation for cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator that introduces hot steam in the wash tank so as to soften the residues
Implementation Method 2
a steam generator that introduces hot steam in the wash tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A dishwasher comprises a steam generation circuit (7) and a wash tank (1) with an underlying collecting sump (2), that has a maximum filling level (3), from where the water is drawn off by a wash pump (4) and sent to at least one sprinkler (5), which makes up with the sump (2) and the pump (4) the wash circuit of the dishwasher, the steam generation circuit (7) consisting of a duct (8) extending between the wash circuit and the tank (1) where it ends with a nozzle (9), and of a steam generator (10) arranged in the duct (8) at a height lower than the maximum filling level (3) of the sump (2).