Ultrasonic Dishwasher Atomization for Uniform Detergent Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers face challenges in achieving uniform and efficient distribution of washing liquid with cleaning agents, leading to inconsistent cleaning performance due to the limitations of existing spray systems, which are prone to clogging and inefficient atomization.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher system utilizing an electrically operated ultrasonic atomizer and blower for nebulizing washing liquid with added cleaning agents, producing small droplets that effectively penetrate soiling, combined with a dosing device for precise delivery of washing-active substances, ensuring even distribution and reduced environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed spray nozzles are used to distribute washing liquid, then the spray direction is predetermined, but uniform cleaning of items in the washing compartment is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray direction controlVSAvoidcleaning uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs rotating spray arms that can dynamically adjust their orientation and rotation to direct washing liquid onto different areas of the washing compartment. This dynamic positioning allows uniform coverage of items regardless of their arrangement, resolving the contradiction between fixed spray direction and cleaning uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The washing compartment is divided into multiple spray zones with separate spray arms or nozzle groups. Each segment can be independently controlled to target specific areas, ensuring that all regions receive adequate washing liquid distribution and achieving uniform cleaning across the entire compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If rotating spray arms are used to distribute washing liquid, then the washing compartment rectangular outline is not matched with circular area of action, but washing liquid distribution uniformity is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray coverage areaVSAvoidwashing liquid distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spray arms are designed with asymmetric nozzle arrangements or adjustable angles that adapt to the rectangular geometry of the washing compartment. By asymmetrically positioning nozzles along the spray arm length, the system compensates for the mismatch between circular arm rotation and rectangular compartment boundaries, achieving uniform liquid distribution across the entire area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies spray parameters such as nozzle angle, spray pressure, and rotation speed along different segments of the spray arm. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the spray pattern is optimized to match the rectangular compartment geometry, ensuring uniform washing liquid distribution despite the circular motion path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If spray nozzles are used for mechanical distribution, then the system is simple, but spray nozzles are susceptible to clogging due to washing residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution system structureVSAvoidnozzle clogging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spray nozzles with an ultrasonic atomization system. Instead of using mechanical nozzles that can clog, ultrasonic vibrations generate a fine mist of washing liquid through cavitation and surface wave effects. This non-mechanical approach eliminates clogging issues while maintaining distribution functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes phase transition of washing liquid from liquid to aerosol mist through ultrasonic cavitation. By transforming the liquid into fine droplets via ultrasonic energy, the system avoids the need for mechanical nozzle openings that are prone to clogging, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

4Manufacturing precision

If ultrasonic transmitter is used to atomize rinsing liquid, then fine mist is generated, but efficient distribution of nebulized rinsing liquid in the rinsing container is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedroplet size uniformityVSAvoidliquid distribution coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blowing device (fan or air stream) as an intermediary to transport the ultrasonic-generated mist from the atomization point to the rinsing container. This intermediary airflow carries the fine droplets uniformly across the rinsing area, ensuring both fine droplet size and wide distribution coverage are achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic flow (blowing air) to distribute the nebulized liquid across the rinsing container. The air stream picks up the ultrasonic mist and conveys it uniformly over the items, combining the fine atomization capability with effective area coverage through fluid dynamic transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 system enhances cleaning performance by ensuring uniform distribution of washing-active substances, reducing the amount needed, and minimizing environmental pollution while maintaining a low power consumption and clog-free operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically operated ultrasonic atomizer... for atomizing washing liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic atomization: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The atomization of the rinsing liquid mixed with detergent substances generates a mist of rinsing liquid droplets with small droplet diameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic cavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 3

a blower, through which the atomized washing liquid is conveyed into the washing container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2088911B1Dish washer having a system for atomizing dishwashing liquid and method for the operation thereof
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2088911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2088911B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2088911B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object of the invention is to provide a dish water having an atomizing system, which enables efficient atomization and fast and even distribution of the dishwashing liquid mixed with cleaning agents in the dishwashing compartment of the dishwasher. The inventive dishwasher solves said object in that the atomizing device (1) comprises an electrically operated ultrasound generator (2) and a blower (12), by which the dishwashing liquid is atomized and subsequently transported into the dishwashing compartment. Due to the atomization of the dishwashing liquid into droplets having a small diameter, the dishwashing liquid and cleaning agents dissolved therein can more effectively attack the dirt on the items to be washed, as they can penetrate into the cracks and pores of the dirt more easily. The even distribution of the atomized dishwashing liquid mixed with the cleaning agents in the dishwashing compartment (11) by the blower (12) guarantees even action of the atomized washing liquid and the cleaning agents therein on the dirt of the items to be washed.