Dishwasher Reuse Tank pH Control for Stored Wash Water Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face issues with the buildup of microorganisms in reused liquid, leading to unpleasant odors and potential contamination, due to the storage of water and detergent mixtures over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher system that includes a reuse tank with monitoring and control mechanisms, such as pH and temperature sensors, to maintain optimal conditions, using high pH solutions or sanitization methods to prevent microorganism growth, and draining or heating the liquid as necessary to maintain cleanliness and prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If liquid is stored in the reuse tank for extended periods, then water conservation is improved, but microorganism growth and odor formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameter of the stored liquid by maintaining a high pH level (above 7, preferably above 9) to create an environment that inhibits microorganism growth. This parameter change allows the liquid to be stored for extended periods without degradation, resolving the contradiction between water conservation and preventing harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pH sensors to continuously monitor the liquid's pH level and provides feedback to the control system. When the pH drops below the threshold, the system automatically adds alkaline substances to restore the high pH condition, ensuring continuous prevention of microorganism growth while maintaining water reuse capability.
2Reliability
If pH monitoring and adjustment mechanisms are added, then microorganism growth is limited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing detergent dispensing mechanism to add alkaline substances to the reuse tank, making the existing device serve a dual function. This self-service approach maintains reliability by preventing microorganism growth while minimizing additional device complexity by repurposing existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that receives pH sensor feedback and automatically triggers the detergent dispenser to add alkaline substances when needed. This intermediary function automates the pH maintenance process, reducing the need for complex manual intervention systems while ensuring reliable microorganism prevention.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If liquid is drained from the reuse tank, then microorganism growth is prevented, but water conservation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of draining the liquid, the system changes the chemical parameter by maintaining high pH levels, which prevents microorganism growth while keeping the liquid in the tank for reuse. This approach eliminates water waste while still preventing harmful factors, resolving the contradiction between microorganism prevention and water conservation.
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
Effectively limits the growth of microorganisms in the reuse tank, preventing odors and contamination, while ensuring the liquid remains usable and safe for subsequent wash cycles, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
A method of operating a dishwasher fluidly coupled to a reuse tank... wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored
Implementation Method 2
A dishwasher system that includes a reuse tank with monitoring and control mechanisms, such as pH and temperature sensors
Implementation Method 3
using high pH solutions or sanitization methods to prevent microorganism growth, and draining or heating the liquid as necessary
Implementation Method 4
using high pH solutions or sanitization methods to prevent microorganism growth
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.