Dishwasher Steam Generator Control for Impurity Water Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dish washing machines face challenges in effectively removing food residues without damaging dishes due to high spray pressure and excessive water usage, and residual water in steam generators can lead to heater damage from impurities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam generator with a residual water outlet to discharge impurities and using steam to aid in washing, reducing the need for high water pressure and quantity, while protecting the pump and heater by managing water levels and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spray pressure of wash water is increased to effectively remove food residues, then washing capability is improved, but dishes may break or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces steam as an intermediary substance between the wash water and dishes. The steam generator produces steam that condenses on the dishes, providing thermal energy to loosen and remove food residues without requiring high mechanical spray pressure, thus preventing dish damage while maintaining effective washing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and temperature parameters of the washing medium by generating steam at high temperature. This thermal parameter change enables effective residue removal through heat-assisted cleaning rather than relying solely on high-pressure mechanical force, resolving the contradiction between washing effectiveness and dish safety
2Reliability
If spray pressure of wash water is increased to effectively remove food residues, then washing capability is improved, but the amount of wash water required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Steam acts as a thermal intermediary that transfers energy efficiently to the dishes and food residues. This thermal energy transfer mechanism reduces the need for large volumes of wash water, as the steam condensation process provides sufficient heat to loosen residues without requiring excessive water for mechanical flushing
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from liquid wash water at ambient temperature to steam at elevated temperature, the patent utilizes thermal energy as the primary cleaning mechanism. This parameter change reduces water consumption because the high-energy steam molecules can effectively remove residues with minimal water volume compared to high-pressure liquid spray systems
3Duration of action of stationary object
If residual water remains in the steam generator, then the steam generator continues operation, but the heater may be damaged from impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary water discharge action before the heater operates. The control system detects water in the steam generator and triggers a discharge sequence that removes water containing impurities before heating begins, preventing impurity deposition on the heater and ensuring long-term heater durability while maintaining operational readiness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where sensors detect the presence of water in the steam generator and signal the control unit to initiate water discharge. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that water removal is performed automatically based on actual conditions, protecting the heater from impurity damage while maintaining continuous operational capability
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 solution enables efficient and safe dish washing with reduced water usage and pressure, effectively removing residues without damaging dishes, and prevents heater damage by managing impurities through controlled water discharge.
Implementation Method 1
generating steam to aid in washing items that are in the dish washing machine
Implementation Method 2
heats the water in the steam generator
Implementation Method 3
discharging water in the steam generator
Data Source
AI summary
Dish washing machine including a steam generator, which supplies steam during the washing procedure to aid in the washing of items in the dish washer, and a method for controlling the same. The dish washing machine capable of discharging residual water from the steam generator to remove impurities in the water contained therein. Discharging the residual water in the steam generator may be performed prior to, during or after the washing procedure in such a manner so as to protect other components from damage due to the high temperatures associated with the residual water.