Spiral Airflow Dish Drying for Faster Dishwasher Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers require a substantial amount of time for a complete cycle and often leave dishes partially wet, necessitating additional drying with towels.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher and method that uses a spiral air flow to dry dishes efficiently by directing air in a spiral pattern, simultaneously washing and drying one dish at a time, and also capable of washing and drying hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional dishwasher is used to wash dishes, then the dishes are cleaned, but the cycle takes a substantial period of time (about one hour) and the dishes are not completely dry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing and drying process into separate sequential stages: a washing cycle followed by a drying cycle. The drying function is segmented from the washing function, allowing each to be optimized independently. The drying cycle uses a spiral air flow pattern that systematically covers different areas of the dish surface in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic air flow patterns during drying, using a spiral motion that continuously changes direction and coverage area. The air flow dynamically adapts to cover the entire dish surface including edges and recessed areas, rather than using a static drying method.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional drying methods are used in a dishwasher, then the drying process occurs during the cycle, but water adheres to the surface and perimeter edges making it difficult to dry completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an asymmetric spiral air flow pattern that is specifically designed to address the asymmetric distribution of water on dishes. The spiral pattern creates varying air flow velocities and directions that effectively reach perimeter edges and recessed surfaces where water tends to adhere, rather than using a symmetric or uniform air flow pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spiral dimension to the air flow pattern, transforming a simple linear or radial flow into a three-dimensional spiral motion. This dimensional change allows the air flow to effectively cover the entire dish surface including vertical edges and recessed areas, overcoming the limitation of conventional two-dimensional drying patterns.
3Productivity
If a dishwasher loads many dishes at a time, then batch processing is efficient, but the user must wait for the complete cycle and cannot use dishes immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rapid single-dish washing and drying that can be completed in seconds, allowing the dish to be immediately available for use. This self-service capability eliminates the need to wait for a complete batch cycle, as each dish can be processed independently and quickly returned to service.
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 spiral air flow effectively removes water from both the center and edges of dishes, reducing drying time and eliminating the need for post-wash towel drying, while allowing for efficient use and storage of dishes.
Implementation Method 1
directing a flow of drying fluid in a spiral pattern as the drying fluid is directed toward the object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for washing and drying objects includes a rotating washing fluid sprayer having several nozzles to direct washing fluid, e.g., water, at an object being washed in a chamber. A drying fluid is directed at the object in the chamber to dry the object. The drying fluid, e.g., air, is directed in a spiral pattern against the object to urge washing liquid away from the object to dry the object and to push the drying liquid away from edges of the object. The air may be directed at the object simultaneously with the water to increase the energy with which the water impinges on the object and to urge dirt from the object being washed.