Dishwasher Steam Generator Backflow Conduit for Over-Pressure Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dish washing machines face issues with excessive spray pressure damaging dishes and inefficient water usage, while steam generators can experience over-pressure due to clogs or blockages, leading to potential contamination of the water supply.
Innovation Solution
A dish washing machine design incorporating a steam generator, a backflow prevention conduit connected to both the steam generator's water supply and steam flow conduits, which directs steam into the washing space when reverse pressure occurs, preventing water from flowing backward into the water supply and maintaining efficient operation without high spray pressure or excessive water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spray pressure is increased to improve washing capability, then food particles and residues are removed more effectively, but dishes may break or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes steam generation (phase transition from liquid water to vapor) to create a humid heating environment that softens and loosens food residues on dishes. This thermal and phase-based cleaning mechanism replaces high-pressure mechanical spray, achieving effective food removal without the damaging forces that cause dish breakage.
2Productivity
If spray pressure is increased to remove foreign matter, then washing effectiveness improves, but the amount of wash water required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs steam (vapor phase) generated from water to create a humid environment that facilitates food residue removal. This phase transition approach uses water more efficiently by leveraging evaporative and thermal effects rather than relying on large volumes of liquid spray, thereby reducing overall water consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness.
3Productivity
If steam generator operates under high pressure, then steam generation efficiency improves, but over-pressure conditions may occur due to clogs or blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure relief valve as an intermediary safety component between the steam generator and the steam distribution system. This valve acts as a mediator that automatically releases excess pressure when blockages occur, preventing dangerous over-pressure conditions while allowing the steam generator to operate at high pressure for efficient steam production during normal operation.
4Reliability
If backflow prevention conduit is added to prevent water contamination, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention conduit serves as an intermediary component that creates a dedicated bypass pathway for steam flow. This separate conduit prevents water from flowing backward into the water supply system by providing an alternative route that maintains positive pressure differential, thereby protecting water supply safety without significantly complicating the overall conduit architecture.
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 solution effectively prevents over-pressure in the steam generator, reduces the risk of water contamination, and enhances washing efficiency by using steam to loosen food residues without excessive water or pressure, while being cost-effective in preventing backflow.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (100) that generates steam for the washing space during a washing operation
Implementation Method 2
a backflow prevention conduit (130) having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the water supply conduit and the second end connected to the steam flow conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Dish washing machine including a steam generator. The dish washing machine also includes a tub that defines a dish washing space therein. A water supply supplies water to the steam generator, and a steam flow conduit guides steam, generated by the steam generator, to the dish washing space. An over-pressure prevention conduit having one end connected to the water supply conduit and the other end connected to either the steam flow conduit or the tub. The over-pressure prevention conduit prevents water in the steam generator from flowing backward into the water conduit and/or the public water supply when a reverse water pressure condition occurs.