Dishwasher Upper Rack Washing with Alternating Steam and Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers often damage wine glasses and fail to effectively remove stubborn stains due to the harsh combination of water and detergent, leading to scratches and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher control method involving an upper rack, sump, and upper spraying arm that alternates between spraying water and supplying steam during the washing cycle, with staged temperature control in the rinsing cycle to efficiently clean sensitive dishes without detergent, ensuring gentle washing and thorough rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water and detergent are sprayed on dishes to remove foreign matter, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but surfaces of sensitive dishes like wine glasses are scratched and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful detergent component is extracted and removed from the washing process for sensitive dishes. The patent specifically excludes detergent usage when washing wine glasses and other sensitive dishes, using only water to prevent surface damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through mechanical action and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the washing parameters by using only water without detergent, controlling water temperature within specific ranges (10-60°C), and adjusting spray pressure to appropriate levels. These parameter modifications ensure effective cleaning while preventing surface scratches on sensitive dishes.
2Manufacturing precision
If high pressure water spray is used to remove stubborn stains, then cleaning power is improved, but surfaces of delicate dishes are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of spray pressure and duration based on dish sensitivity. For wine glasses and other delicate dishes, the spray pressure is reduced to appropriate levels, while for more robust dishes, higher pressure can be applied. This dynamic adjustment maintains surface integrity while achieving effective stain removal.
3Productivity
If conventional washing cycle is used for all dishes, then washing efficiency is improved, but sensitive dishes like wine glasses are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the washing process into distinct cycles: a standard washing cycle for regular dishes and a specialized gentle washing cycle for sensitive dishes like wine glasses. The gentle cycle uses only water without detergent, controls temperature within 10-60°C, and adjusts spray pressure to prevent damage while maintaining washing efficiency through proper cycle sequencing.
4Manufacturing precision
If detergent is used to remove foreign matter, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but residue and spots remain on glass surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates detergent from the washing process for sensitive glass dishes, using only water to prevent residue and spot formation. This is particularly important for wine glasses where detergent residue can create visible spots and affect the appearance and taste properties of the glass.
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 method effectively washes and rinses sensitive dishes like wine glasses without causing damage, improving cleaning efficiency and extending their lifespan by using steam and staged temperature control to remove contaminants effectively.
Implementation Method 1
spraying water to the upper rack by using the upper spraying arm
Implementation Method 2
supplying steam to the washing compartment
Implementation Method 3
supplying steam to the washing compartment, the spraying of the water and the supplying of the steam being repeated alternately
Implementation Method 4
a sump heater configured to heat the water held in the sump
Implementation Method 5
rinsing by spraying water, including the new clean water, from the sump to the upper rack
Data Source
AI summary
Dishwashers and methods of control for operation of dishwashers are disclosed. The dishwasher may include an upper rack in an upper portion of a washing compartment for placing dishes, such as wine glasses, which are susceptible to damage. The dishwasher may also include an upper spraying arm in the upper portion of the washing compartment. During a wash cycle, the upper spraying arm can spray washing water toward the upper rack and steam may be supplied to the washing compartment at various intervals to reduce the risk of damage to the dishes and improve foreign matter removal. During a rinse cycle, water which may be heated in multiple stages by a sump heater may be sprayed toward the upper rack.