Method of operating a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in reducing drying time due to inefficiencies in moisture removal from the treating chamber, as existing drying systems rely on static dry methods and limited condensation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a condensing system that recirculates moist air through a condenser, with simultaneous or sequential use of ambient air and cold water heat exchange systems to enhance condensation, optionally including heating the air or adding warm ambient air to increase the rate of evaporation or condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a static dry method is used to remove moisture from the treating chamber, then the drying process is simple, but the drying time is extended and moisture removal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of moist air through the condenser, replacing the static dry method with a dynamic continuous process. The circulation system continuously moves air over the cold condenser surface, maintaining constant condensation action throughout the drying phase, thereby significantly improving moisture removal efficiency and reducing drying time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from vapor to liquid through condensation. By circulating moist air over a cold condenser surface, water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water that can be collected and removed, providing an efficient active moisture removal mechanism that overcomes the limitations of passive evaporation-based static drying.
2Productivity
If a condenser system is used to remove moisture through condensation, then moisture removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the self-service principle by utilizing cold water from the dishwasher's own wash cycle to cool the condenser. The cold water, already available in the system from the washing phase, serves dual purposes: it cools the condenser for moisture removal and is subsequently heated by absorbing heat from the moist air during condensation, effectively recycling thermal energy within the system and reducing external energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the condenser by introducing cold water circulation, creating a temperature differential that drives condensation. The cold water lowers the condenser surface temperature below the dew point of the moist air, enabling efficient condensation without requiring additional active cooling systems or excessive energy input.
3Productivity
If ambient air is introduced into the treating chamber to replace moist air, then humidity is reduced, but water usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses the cold water from the wash cycle for dual purposes: first as a cooling medium for the condenser, and then the same water absorbs heat from the moist air during the condensation process. This recovery and reuse of water and its thermal energy eliminates the need for additional water intake while maintaining efficient moisture removal, directly addressing the contradiction between drying speed and water usage.
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 significantly reduces drying time and overall cycle duration, while also conserving energy by optimizing condensation processes and minimizing water usage.
Implementation Method 1
recirculating the moist air in the treating chamber through a condenser
Implementation Method 2
flowing cold water over the condenser
Implementation Method 3
flowing of ambient air over the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing moisture from moist air in an appliance, such as a treating chamber of a dishwasher, wherein a drying system includes a condensing system and heat exchange systems that enhance condensation with both ambient air and cold water. Optionally, the method can also include a charge or charges of warm, ambient air or ambient air with moist air during recirculation of moist air.