Dishwasher with a pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face issues with heat exchange efficiency and heater durability due to foreign matter adherence and corrosion, as the heater is exposed to washing water, leading to overheating and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design with a check valve between the sump and washing pump allows washing water to flow into the pump while preventing steam from escaping, enabling steam generation within the washing pump and maintaining efficient water flow during draining, thus addressing the heat exchange and durability concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heater is installed inside the sump to heat washing water, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the heater surface is exposed to foreign matter causing corrosion and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The washing pump housing acts as an intermediary chamber between the sump and the spray arm. The heater is installed inside this housing to heat washing water temporarily stored there, rather than being directly exposed to the sump environment. This intermediary space allows efficient heat exchange while protecting the heater from foreign matter corrosion.
2Reliability
If the heater is installed inside the washing pump to heat washing water, then heater durability is improved by isolating from foreign matter, but steam may escape through the washing pump flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The washing pump housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a water intake flow path for washing water and a steam discharge flow path for generated steam. This segmentation allows the heater to heat water efficiently while the check valve prevents steam from escaping through the water intake path, directing steam through its dedicated discharge path.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve automatically distinguishes between water flow and steam flow based on their inherent properties. It allows washing water to pass through to the spray arm while automatically blocking steam from escaping through the same path, utilizing the directional flow characteristics of each substance.
3Loss of substance
If the check valve is closed to prevent steam escape, then steam loss is reduced, but washing water flow to the spray arm may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The washing pump housing is divided into separate water and steam flow paths. The check valve is positioned to control only the water intake path, allowing it to close and prevent steam escape without blocking the steam discharge path. This segmentation enables selective control of different fluid paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as a selective mediator that distinguishes between water and steam flows. It allows washing water to pass through during the washing cycle while automatically closing to block steam during the heating/sterilization cycle, based on the flow direction and pressure characteristics of each substance.
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
The solution effectively generates steam within the washing pump, preventing steam loss and ensuring efficient water flow, enhancing heat exchange efficiency and extending the heater's durability by isolating it from direct exposure to steam and foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which heats the washing water to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a check valve which is disposed between the sump and the washing pump and is closed so that the washing water does not flow from the washing pump to the sump when the steam is generated by the heater
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) for washing the dishes and the cooking utensils by spraying washing water and steam. The dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tub (12) which accommodates a washing object, a sump (100) which is disposed in a bottom of the tub (12) and stores washing water, a spray arm (13, 14, 15) which sprays the washing water into the tub (12), a washing pump (150) which sends the washing water stored in the sump (100) to the spray arm (13, 14, 15), and a check valve (175) which is disposed between the sump (100) and the washing pump (150) and opened in a direction of the washing pump from the sump.