Dishwasher Steam Wash Control for Shorter Main Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwasher methods require separate processes for steam washing and main washing, leading to increased overall washing time and discontinuous water heating, which inefficiencies in steam generation and prolonged washing cycles.

Innovation Solution

Simultaneously performing steam washing and main washing by spraying washing water containing detergent and continuously supplying steam during the water absorption process, allowing for continuous water heating and improved washing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If steam washing and main washing are performed separately, then steam washing can effectively remove food residues, but the overall washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam washing effectivenessVSAvoidoverall washing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the steam washing process and main washing process into a single integrated cycle. The steam generator operates continuously during the main washing phase, allowing steam to be supplied to the tub while washing water is sprayed through the spray nozzles. This combination eliminates the need for separate steam washing and main washing phases, reducing overall washing time while maintaining the effectiveness of both processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If water is supplied to the steam generating device during steam washing, then steam can be continuously generated, but the main washing process is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous steam generationVSAvoidwashing cycle efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous water supply to the steam generating device throughout the main washing process. The water supply controller continuously supplies water to the steam generator, which continuously generates steam that is supplied to the tub. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions in both steam generation and main washing, allowing both processes to proceed simultaneously without interruption, thereby improving washing cycle efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach reduces overall washing time and enhances washing efficiency by integrating steam washing into the main washing cycle, ensuring continuous water heating and minimizing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a heater is attached in a sump for supplying washing water to generate steam by boiling the water stored in the sump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoiling: Boiling

Implementation Method 2

The food residues adhered to the dishes absorb moisture of the steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP2094148B1Method of controlling dishwasher

Publication Date: 2018.05.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

There is provided a method of controlling a dishwasher. The method includes performing a preliminary washing for washing dishes using washing water not containing detergent, performing a main washing for washing the dishes using washing water containing detergent, and performing a rinsing for rinsing the dishes. Steam is supplied during at least one of the main washing and the rinsing.