Dishwasher Steam and Water Cycle Control for Shorter Wash Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers require separate processes for steam washing and main washing, prolonging overall washing time and inefficiently generating continuous steam due to initial water consumption and temperature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling a dishwasher that intermittently supplies washing water and steam during the operational cycle, allowing steam to be continuously generated and supplied through separate nozzles during water supply periods, with soaking phases to enhance residue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam washing and main washing are performed separately in conventional dishwashers, then steam can be effectively generated and supplied to remove food residue, but the overall washing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam washing and main washing processes into a single integrated operational cycle. Steam is generated and supplied to the washing chamber simultaneously with water spraying, eliminating the need for separate washing stages. This merging of processes maintains the effectiveness of steam washing while significantly reducing the total washing time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous steam supply during the entire water spraying process. Water is continuously supplied to generate steam, and the steam is continuously introduced into the washing chamber alongside the water spray. This continuous action ensures that steam washing effectiveness is maintained throughout the washing process without interruption, while the overlapping of steam and water phases eliminates idle time between separate washing stages.
2Reliability
If initial water is supplied to generate steam in conventional dishwashers, then steam washing can begin, but the steam supply is interrupted when water is consumed and must be reheated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous steam supply by continuously supplying water to the steam generation system throughout the washing process. Instead of supplying an initial batch of water and waiting for it to be consumed and reheated, water is continuously fed to generate steam, ensuring uninterrupted steam supply to the washing chamber during the entire operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous water supply system that pre-positiones water availability for steam generation. Water is continuously supplied to the steam generation system before, during, and after the main washing process, ensuring that steam can be generated without interruption. This preliminary and continuous water supply eliminates the等待 time for reheating water that occurs in conventional systems.
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 improves efficiency by allowing continuous steam supply during water washing phases, optimizing the removal of food residue without prolonging the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
steam could be generated in the washing chamber when water supplied to a sump in the washing chamber is heated to a temperature where water evaporates
Implementation Method 2
Any food residue adhered to the dishes in the washing chamber absorb moisture of the steam
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of controlling a dishwasher. The method includes performing a preliminary washing cycle, performing a main washing cycle, and performing a rinsing cycle. Steam is supplied during at least one of the main washing cycle and the rinsing cycle.