Selective Rack Water Supply for Mixed-Load Dishwashers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are inefficient when washing a mix of large and small dishes with varying washing loads in a single compartment, as they often require longer cycles and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher control method that alternates between steam and water spraying using upper and lower spraying arms, adjusts water volume and temperature, and selectively operates spraying arms based on washing loads to optimize washing efficiency, allowing for simultaneous washing of dishes with different loads in a single compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dishwashers wash both large and small dishes in a single compartment using the same washing cycle, then all dishes can be washed in one load, but washing efficiency decreases and power consumption increases due to prolonged washing of small dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The washing compartment is divided into an upper rack and lower rack, with each rack having dedicated spraying arms. The control unit segments the washing cycle into separate upper and lower washing phases, allowing independent control of washing parameters for each rack. This segmentation enables small dishes on the upper rack to be washed with reduced water and time, while large dishes on the lower rack receive thorough washing, thereby improving overall washing efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher implements dynamic control of the washing process by adjusting water supply volume, spraying duration, and temperature based on the detected dish distribution. The control unit dynamically switches between different washing modes (e.g., normal washing, rapid washing, energy-saving mode) depending on whether the upper or lower rack contains dishes, optimizing energy usage while maintaining washing effectiveness.
2Productivity
If conventional dishwashers use a single washing cycle for all dishes, then the control system is simple, but washing efficiency is reduced when dishes of varying loads are washed together
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts washing parameters based on real-time detection of dish distribution. Sensors detect whether dishes are placed on the upper rack, lower rack, or both, and the control unit automatically selects appropriate washing modes and adjusts water supply, spraying duration, and temperature accordingly. This dynamic adaptation improves washing efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the presence and distribution of dishes on different racks, and this information feeds back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the washing cycle parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes washing efficiency based on actual loading conditions.
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 method reduces washing time and power consumption by ensuring efficient cleaning of both large and small dishes, maximizing washing efficiency and preventing unnecessary prolonged washing of small dishes.
Implementation Method 1
a sump heater configured to heat the water
Implementation Method 2
an upper and lower spraying arm configured to spray the water
Data Source
AI summary
Dishwashers and methods of control for operation of dishwashers are disclosed. The dishwasher may include an upper rack in an upper portion of a washing compartment configured to receive small dishes, such as a cup having a small washing load, and a lower rack in a lower portion of the washing compartment for placing large dishes, such as a dinner bowl having a large washing load. The operation of the dishwasher can include wash and rinse cycles having a plurality of sub-cycles. During the sub-cycles, the upper and lower racks can be selectively sprayed with water and steam can be supplied to the washing compartment based on configured conditions, such as a water temperature or operation time being reached. The operation of the dishwasher can reduce excessive washing of dishes having small washing loads and reduce power consumption of the dishwasher.