Dishwasher Filter With Artificial Boundaries for Soil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing machines face inefficiencies in filtering soils from recirculated wash liquid, leading to re-deposition of soils on utensils and increased maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A rotating filter system with a cylindrical filter drum and artificial boundaries positioned within the recirculation flow path, where the filter rotates about a central axis and the artificial boundaries create increased shear force zones to separate soils from the liquid, allowing efficient filtration and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter system is used to filter soils from recirculated wash liquid, then filtration is performed, but soils are re-deposited on utensils and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed to rotate about a central axis during recirculation, transforming a static filtration system into a dynamic one. This rotation creates varying flow patterns and shear forces that prevent soil particles from settling and re-depositing on utensils, while continuously bringing fresh filtering surfaces into contact with the wash liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structure is divided into multiple segments or zones along its length, with artificial boundaries positioned at specific locations. These segments create distinct flow regions that enhance soil separation efficiency and prevent re-deposition by maintaining directional flow patterns away from utensil surfaces.
2Productivity
If a rotating filter system with artificial boundaries is used, then soil separation efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is integrated directly into the recirculation pump assembly, combining the filtration function with the pumping function. The rotating filter becomes part of the pump's impeller structure, eliminating the need for a separate stationary filter housing and reducing overall system complexity despite the added rotational filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a pumping element (impeller) and a filtration element. The artificial boundaries on the filter surfaces perform dual roles in creating shear forces for soil separation and in directing flow patterns, reducing the need for additional components.
3Device complexity
If the flow diverter is aligned with the rotational axis, then structural simplicity is maintained, but shear force generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter is deliberately positioned at an angle relative to the rotational axis, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry generates enhanced shear forces as the recirculated liquid passes between the flow diverter and the rotating filter surfaces, significantly improving soil particle separation efficiency compared to a symmetric, axis-aligned configuration.
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 effectively filters soils from the wash liquid, reducing re-deposition on utensils, minimizing user maintenance, and potentially lowering dishwasher noise.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating filter rotatable about an axis of rotation and having a first end axially spaced from a second end defining a filter there between that has a first surface and a second surface, the rotating filter being positioned within the recirculation flow path to filter soils from liquid flowing through the fluid flow path
Implementation Method 2
the artificial boundaries create increased shear force zones to separate soils from the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid and at least one artificial boundary to aid in cleaning the filter.