Washing Pump Steam Discharge Design for Efficient Dishwasher Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers face challenges in efficiently heating washing water and discharging steam due to the exposure of heaters to water, leading to reduced heat exchange efficiency and potential heater degradation, as well as steam loss in circulation passages.

Innovation Solution

A washing pump design where the heater is coupled to the bottom of the housing with a part inside, and a steam discharge pipe is positioned vertically within the washing water outflow pipe, ensuring efficient heating and smooth steam discharge without interfering with water circulation, and a steam hose is inclined to facilitate smooth steam flow to the nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the heater is exposed within the sump to contact washing water for heating, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the heater surface degrades due to foreign substance accumulation and erosion, reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidheater durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a steam discharge pipe as an intermediary component that allows the heater to heat water indirectly through the pipe wall rather than direct contact. The heater is mounted on the inner wall of the steam discharge pipe, and heat is transferred through the pipe material to the washing water, preventing foreign substance accumulation on the heater surface while maintaining heat exchange efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the heating function from the water contact surface by placing the heater on the steam discharge pipe wall rather than exposing it directly to water. This segmentation separates the heating element from the corrosive environment, allowing the heater to perform its function without direct exposure to foreign substances in the washing water

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the steam discharge pipe is disposed horizontally, then steam can be discharged, but steam is lost in the circulation passage and heating efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam discharge efficiencyVSAvoidsteam loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional horizontal steam discharge configuration by disposing the steam discharge pipe vertically. This inversion allows steam to rise naturally along the vertical pipe due to buoyancy, preventing steam loss in circulation passages and improving heating efficiency while maintaining effective steam discharge capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the heater is completely inside the housing, then heater durability is improved by preventing contact with washing water, but heat exchange efficiency is reduced due to limited water contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater durabilityVSAvoidheat exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The steam discharge pipe wall serves as an intermediary that enables heat transfer between the heater and washing water without direct contact. The heater mounted on the pipe inner wall transfers heat through the pipe material to the water, achieving both durability protection and efficient heat exchange

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively heats washing water with low energy consumption, minimizes steam loss, and ensures smooth steam flow to the nozzle, enhancing the overall washing and sterilization process while maintaining heater durability.

Implementation Method 1

a heater which is disposed under the partition wall to heat the washing water in the housing so as to generate steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an impeller which is rotatably disposed over the partition wall in the housing to cause washing water to flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3449796B1Washing pump and dishwasher including the same
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3449796B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3449796B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3449796B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a washing pump (150) for spraying washing water or steam to wash dishes or cooking appliances, and a dishwasher (1) including the same. The washing pump (150) according to the present invention includes: a housing (152); a partition wall (154) which vertically divides an inner space (C1, C2) of the housing (152); an impeller (155) which is rotatably disposed over the partition wall (154) in the housing (152) to cause washing water to flow; a heater (140) which is disposed under the partition wall (154) to heat the washing water in the housing so as to generate steam; and a steam discharge pipe (1545) which is disposed over the partition wall (154) to discharge the steam, generated by the heater (140), to an outside of the housing (152). Accordingly, steam may be generated by the heater (140) and discharged.