Dishwasher Temperature Control for Condensation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

After washing, dishwashers often experience temperature drops leading to condensation and bacterial growth due to inadequate heat dissipation, compromising the hygiene of stored tableware.

Innovation Solution

A control method for dishwashers that includes a temperature detection unit, a heating device, and fans to establish an airflow and maintain a temperature between 25 °C to 35 °C post-washing, and stop operations when temperatures exceed 45 °C to 50 °C, ensuring effective heat dissipation and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the heating device operates continuously to maintain temperature, then condensation and bacterial growth are prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives temperature signals from the temperature detection unit and adjusts the heating device operation accordingly. When temperature drops below the preset range, the heating device activates; when temperature is within range, it remains off, creating a feedback-controlled system that prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining hygiene standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of the heating device based on real-time temperature conditions. The heating device transitions between on and off states according to temperature thresholds, making the system adaptive rather than static, thereby optimizing energy usage while preventing condensation and bacterial growth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If the heating device and fan operate to maintain temperature, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device and fan are integrated into a coordinated system controlled by a single control unit that receives temperature signals and simultaneously manages both components. This merging of control functions simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving effective heat dissipation through the combined action of heating and air circulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If temperature detection and control systems are added, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature detection unit automatically monitors the working chamber temperature and sends signals to the control unit, which then autonomously adjusts the heating device without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism achieves precise temperature control while minimizing the need for complex external control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 prevents condensation and bacterial growth, improving the hygiene and sanitary conditions of stored tableware by maintaining a controlled temperature and optimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device... controlling the heating device... to operate so as to establish an airflow which dissipates heat generated by the heating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

controlling the heating device and the first fan to operate so as to establish an airflow which dissipates heat generated by the heating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3653100A1Control method of dishwasher, dishwasher, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP3653100A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3653100A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3653100A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method of a dishwasher (100). The dishwasher (100) comprises a housing (110), a temperature sensor unit (120), a heating device (130) and a first fan (140). The housing (110) is formed with a working cavity. The control method comprises the following steps: upon completion of washing of a dishwasher (100), controlling a temperature sensor unit (120) to measure the temperature; determining whether the temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature; and if the temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, controlling a heating device (130) and a first fan (140) to operate to produce an air flow in a working cavity to dissipate the heat generated by the heating device (130). Also provided is a dishwasher.