Dishwasher Wash Module Layout to Isolate Heaters From Plastic Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic dishwashers often have complex systems that can be costly and inefficient, with heaters exposed to the wash tub, which can melt plastic items and require more parts for assembly, limiting capacity and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with a separate housing for the recirculation system and air supply, featuring a shared wash unit, heater, and compact assembly that keeps high voltage components remote from user interaction, allowing for a larger wash tub capacity and reduced wiring complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heaters are exposed to the wash tub in conventional dishwashers, then heating function is provided, but plastic items can be melted and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher is divided into separate functional modules: a wash module containing the tub and spray system, and a separate housing containing the heater and recirculation system. This segmentation isolates the heater from direct exposure to plastic items in the wash tub, preventing thermal damage while maintaining heating functionality for water.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dishwashers include all necessary systems in a single integrated structure, then complete functionality is achieved, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher system is segmented into a wash module and a separate recirculation housing, reducing the number of integrated parts while maintaining complete functionality. The recirculation housing contains the pump, heater, and filtration system as distinct, separable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation housing serves multiple functions: it houses the recirculation pump, contains the heater element, provides filtration through a strainer, and acts as a structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of separate components needed in the system.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional dishwashers use integrated systems, then assembly is complete, but manufacturing costs are high and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dishwasher into separate wash and recirculation modules, each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing manufacturing costs. The modular design also enables more efficient heat distribution, improving energy efficiency during operation.
4Volume of moving object
If dishwashers have compact designs, then space is saved, but wash tub capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation housing is positioned vertically above the wash tub, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional arrangement allows the wash tub to maintain maximum capacity while the recirculation system occupies the vertical dimension, achieving both compact overall footprint and large wash capacity.
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 enhances energy efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, prevents damage to plastic items, and allows for a larger utensil capacity, requiring fewer parts and less wiring, thus improving overall performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a sprayer located in the treating chamber and spraying liquid into the treating chamber
Implementation Method 2
A first heater may be disposed within the wash unit and shared by both the recirculation system and the air supply system
Implementation Method 3
A recirculation pump may be disposed within the wash unit and fluidly coupled to the recirculation system such that the recirculation pump is adapted to supply the liquid to the sprayers
Implementation Method 4
An air supply system may be included to provide air to the tub for drying the utensils
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.