A dishwasher comprising a filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in accessing and filling the salt container in dishwashers due to its location inside the machine, which complicates the process of adding salt for water softening, leading to inefficient washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a detachable coarse filter with a conical shape that can be mounted onto the salt container, serving as a funnel and allowing easy salt filling, along with a rotary element to adjust the size of openings for optimal salt usage, and feet or claws for secure mounting, facilitating user access and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the salt container is disposed inside the body of the dishwasher, then the water softening system can function effectively, but it becomes difficult for the user to access and fill salt into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into two detachable parts: the microfilter (part A) that remains mounted on the draining element, and the coarse filter (part B) that can be detached and used as a filling tool. This segmentation allows the coarse filter to serve dual purposes: filtration during washing and salt filling during maintenance, thereby improving user accessibility without compromising the water softening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coarse filter is designed to perform multiple functions: (1) filtering large particles during the washing cycle when mounted on the microfilter, and (2) serving as a funnel for filling salt into the salt container when detached and inverted. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the salt container accessible through a tool already present in the system.
2Ease of operation
If a funnel-shaped salt filling tool is stored outside the machine, then it facilitates pouring salt into the salt container, but it occupies external storage space and may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The coarse filter and salt filling function are merged into a single integrated component. The coarse filter, when detached and inverted, naturally forms a funnel shape that fits onto the salt container opening. This eliminates the need for a separate external filling tool, as the filter itself becomes the filling device, reducing device complexity and eliminating storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing component (the coarse filter) to perform the salt filling operation, rather than requiring an external tool. The coarse filter's conical shape and mounting features enable it to self-convert into a functional filling funnel, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional accessories.
3Reliability
If the filter has smaller holes to hold small particles of dirt, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the filter may clog more easily and require frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into two stages with different pore sizes: the coarse filter (first filtering means) with larger holes that captures big particles, and the microfilter (second filtering means) with smaller holes that traps fine particles. This segmentation allows the coarse filter to be cleaned more easily and frequently, while the microfilter handles the finer filtration, distributing the maintenance burden and improving overall filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The coarse filter performs preliminary filtration by capturing large particles before they reach the microfilter. This preliminary action protects the microfilter from rapid clogging, extending its service life and reducing the frequency of cleaning operations required for the finer filtration stage.
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 design enhances user convenience by allowing easy access and filling of the salt container, improving washing performance by adjusting water hardness and preventing clogging of the water line through effective filtration and salt distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the coarse filter (6) which can be detached from the filter to be mounted onto the salt container (8)... By means of the conical shape of the coarse filter, the salt can be easily filled into the salt container.
Implementation Method 2
The filter is composed of a microfilter and a coarse filter. While the microfilter holds small particles of dirt, the coarse filter prevents large particles of dirt from entering the washing line.
Implementation Method 3
Water softening systems are used for decreasing the hardness of the washing water... The water softening system comprises an ion exchanger and a salt container which enables the resin in the ion exchanger to be soaked in the brine so as to carry out the regeneration process.
Implementation Method 4
a salt container which enables the resin in the ion exchanger to be soaked in the brine so as to carry out the regeneration process... Brine is provided in the salt container which is activated for regenerating the ion exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is carried out; a draining element (4) which is disposed on the base (T) of the washing tub (3); a filter (7) which is detachably mounted onto the draining element (4) and which has a microfilter (5) for holding dirt and a coarse filter (6) which can be detachably mounted onto the microfilter (5) and which holds dirt particles; and a salt container (8) wherein the salt used for adjusting the hardness of water is filled. The conical coarse filter (6) has a first position where it is placed onto the microfilter (5) and a second position where it is placed onto the salt container (8) to be used as a funnel for filling in salt.