dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers face issues with high water flow resistance through heating devices, leading to reduced spray pressure and efficiency, especially during non-heating periods, due to the direct connection of the heating system to the water circulation path, which increases power consumption and affects cleaning performance.

Innovation Solution

A compact dishwasher design where the water distribution valve assembly and water collection tank are integrated into a single structure, eliminating the need for connection pipes and allowing the valve core to control the circulation path, preventing water from flowing through the heating device during non-heating periods and optimizing water flow during heating periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heating system is directly connected to the water circulation path, then heating function is achieved, but water flow resistance increases during non-heating periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic water circulation system where the heating device can be selectively connected to the water circulation path through a control valve. During heating periods, the valve opens to allow water flow through the heating device; during non-heating periods, the valve closes to divert water flow away from the heating device, preventing unnecessary power consumption and flow resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The water circulation path is segmented into multiple branches: one branch passes through the heating device while another branch bypasses it. A control valve regulates which branch is active at any given time, allowing independent control of the heating function from the main circulation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If the heating system is directly connected to the water circulation path, then heating function is achieved, but spray pressure decreases during non-heating periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidspray pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve dynamically redirects water flow based on operational requirements. When heating is not required, the valve closes the heating device branch and opens the bypass branch, maintaining optimal spray pressure by eliminating the flow resistance that would otherwise be present in the heating device channel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A bypass channel acts as an intermediary path for water flow when the heating device is not in use. This bypass channel provides a low-resistance alternative route that maintains spray pressure and washing performance without requiring water to pass through the heating device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If an independent water distribution valve is used to control circulation path, then water flow resistance is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water distribution valve assembly is merged with the water collection tank to form an integrated unit. The valve body is positioned within or on the tank structure, and the valve core utilizes the tank's internal cavity as part of its operating mechanism, thereby reducing the number of separate components and connection pipes while maintaining the flow control function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If many connection pipes are used to connect water distribution valve and water collection tank, then water flow control is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow controlVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The water distribution valve assembly and water collection tank are merged into a single integrated structure. The valve body forms part of the tank assembly, and internal passages within the tank serve as flow channels, eliminating the need for multiple external connection pipes and simplifying the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces water flow resistance, enhances washing efficiency, and provides a more compact and efficient dishwasher structure without the need for additional pipes, improving overall cleaning performance and energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device configured to heat water for washing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a valve core movably disposed in the flow distribution cavity to allow the spray arm port to switch from communicating with the washing pump port to the second heating device port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4066719B1dishwasher
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP4066719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4066719B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dishwasher. A dishwasher (100) comprises: a washing inner container (1), a spray arm (2), a heating device (3), a washing pump (4), and a water collection tank (5). A flow distribution cavity (53), a spray arm port (532), a washing pump port (533), and a second heating device port (534) are provided on the water collection tank (5); a water distribution valve assembly (6) comprises a valve seat (61) and a valve core (62); the valve seat (61) is connected to the water collection tank (5); a first heating device port (611) is provided on the valve seat (61); the valve core (62) is movably provided in the flow distribution cavity (53) so that the spray arm port (532) is switchably communicated with the washing pump port (533) and the second heating device port (534).