Dishwasher with controlled dry cycle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers' drying systems face inefficiencies due to reliance on a fixed temperature difference between the treating chamber and ambient air, leading to either insufficient drying or prolonged cycle times, as ambient air temperatures can vary, affecting the moisture removal rate and thus the drying performance.

Innovation Solution

A closed loop condensation system with temperature sensors to determine the actual temperature difference between the treating chamber air and ambient air, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the circulating time to optimize moisture removal and ensure complete drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed temperature difference is used for drying, then the drying system is simple to operate, but the drying performance is insufficient when ambient air temperatures vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidtemperature sensing and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the ambient air temperature and treating chamber air temperature. The controller receives these temperature signals and automatically adjusts the circulating time of the drying cycle based on the actual temperature difference, ensuring reliable drying performance across varying ambient conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static fixed temperature difference approach to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The circulating time is dynamically modified based on real-time temperature measurements, allowing the drying system to adapt to changing ambient conditions while maintaining optimal drying performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the circulating time is extended to ensure complete drying, then drying performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete dryingVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the circulating time based on actual temperature measurements rather than using a fixed extended duration. When the temperature difference is favorable, the circulating time can be reduced while still achieving complete drying, thereby minimizing energy consumption. When conditions are less favorable, the circulating time is extended only as much as necessary to ensure complete drying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the drying cycle by adjusting the circulating time based on the actual temperature difference between ambient air and treating chamber air. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve complete drying with optimized energy consumption rather than using a universally extended circulating time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the circulating time is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but drying performance becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddrying performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system monitors temperature conditions and adjusts the circulating time accordingly. When ambient conditions are favorable (large temperature difference), the system reduces circulating time to save energy while maintaining sufficient drying performance. When conditions are unfavorable (small temperature difference), the system extends circulating time to ensure complete drying, preventing insufficient drying performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures precise control of the drying cycle, ensuring dishes are completely dry at the end of the cycle while minimizing energy waste by adjusting circulating time based on real-time temperature differences, thus enhancing user satisfaction and reducing false service calls.

Implementation Method 1

overlying portions of the moist air conduit and the dry air conduit are configured to form a heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is configured to precipitate moisture from treating chamber air in the moist air conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the moisture is precipitated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS10506907B2Dishwasher with controlled dry cycle

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dishwasher configured for drying dishes with the dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a closed loop condensation system for extracting liquid from air within a treating chamber of the dishwasher and a controller configured to control the dry cycle for drying of the dishes in the treating chamber of the dishwasher.