COMPOWASH—
COMPOSTING DISHWASHER
BA Graduation Project in 2014
In Collaboration with Vestel White Goods
Background
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The task was to design a product relating to dishwashing that can fit in the future context of the way people live.
The product should match the company profile and vision and should have the potential to bring additional value to the brand.
Context Factors
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First, I started looking into possible context factors that shape the future user profile. Those are the developments and trends which I found most relevant to my working domain: dishwashing. Those factors give some clues about where the user might live in, with whom, what kind of occupation he/she may have and what environmental affair might still be a critical issue.
Routine & Findings
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On the other hand, I examined the dishwashing process and how the users feel about each step. First, if there are some leftovers on the plates, those are scrapped to the trash bin, then the dishes are pre-rinsed (most common) or pre-soaked. After that dishes are placed in the dishwasher.
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Insights & Problems
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Statement
Core Idea
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Combining those 2 products may help to create a new routine for the dishwashing process where different features work in harmony.
Concept1
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In line with the grow your own trend, the product can be defined as a new object, a unit that meets different functions. It may be seperated from kitchen counter to give more flexibility and use a bottle of water filled by the user for several wash cycles. With organic compost the use can enrich the plant’s soil in terms of vitamin, mineral etc.
Concept2
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Dishes with leftovers are being put directly into the machine without stopping by the trash bin and sink. The product does not have a separate waste entry for composting. The product offers ultimate comfort without taking time or energy.
Concept3
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The compost chamber is integrated in the product. The steam softened soils are flushed with water. Using the electrolysis method eliminates the need for detergents. When the user pulls the product out, the compost chamber opens. The user can scrape the food on the plate with rubber scrapers. Another option can be scrapping by fork.
Development
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Considering the feasibility and ease of use, I decided to improve the concept3. I worked on how to make the product easy to use and details that make the integration of 2 products effective in terms of the findings.
Final Product
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The Compo-wash is a built-in product which consists of a dishwasher and an integrated automatic composter that can function congruously. It can be used both as a dishwasher and a composter separately. The main purpose of the product is to make the dishwashing routine much easier and more efficient for people who feel responsible for resources. The product offers a convenient experience since there is not much to think about for the user. There is no need for any extra steps, no fear of the filter being clogged. All they need to do is scraping leftovers roughly through composter chute and placing the dishes into the machine. The pivotable filter transfers the food residue to the composter after pre-wash. Thanks to the electrolyze washing technology the machine does not use any chemicals.
Composter Zone Access
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The zone is in the lower part of the exterior defined by dark gray color. In here, the user can reach cure and drip tray. Additionally, the maintenance access can be found on the upper part of the zone.
Dishwasher Access
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To use the dishwasher part only, the user pulls the machine from the left half of the handle. By doing so the composter chute lid is not opened.
*To have access to composter the user presses the hidden button.
Composter Access
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To use the composter part only, the user presses the button and pulls the machine. While the product is being pulled, the chute lid opens automatically. Even though the dishwasher is running, the user can have access to the composter over the chute safely to drop food scraps.
Scrape & Place
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Leftovers on plates are being scraped roughly into the composter. After that the user places the plates into the dishwasher.
Chute-wash & Filter Access
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In case, any leftover particles hold on to the chute surface, the user can push back the machine and press the chute-wash button to activate the hidden noozles and open the chute filter lid. As the chute filter lid opens, the water takes the remains to the filter.
Pre-wash & Filter Rotation
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When the user starts the dishwasher, the first thing the machine does is using steam to soften dirts. Next, the upper spray arm runs to sweep the food residue through the filter. At the same time, the lower spray arm works with lower water pressure to prevent any clogging on water holes. After draining off the water, the pivotable filter rotates and sends the pieces to the composter.
Mesh & Main Filter Cleaning
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After every pre-wash and chute-wash, the filter washers work to clean up the mesh filter. During the periodic cleaning, the pivotable filter rotates around 90 and enables the washers to spray water on the main filter.
Organic Compost & Maintenance
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Every 2 weeks rich organic compost is ready. The upper chamber mixes with tumbling blades, heats, and aerates. When the transfer button blinks, the user needs to press it and the compost is transferred to the lower chamber where it continues to compost while the user adds fresh waste items to the upper chamber. The maintenance access is useful to fix jams and for cleaning. The integrated lights help the user to operate the composter easily.
