Dishwasher Drain Hose Clog Removal by Cycled Pump Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers often experience clogs in the drain hose due to soil buildup, leading to flooding and ineffective cleaning, as existing methods require manual intervention and removal of the appliance to clear clogs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes a drain pump, a drain hose, and a control device configured to detect clogs and execute a drain routine by repeatedly activating and deactivating the pump to remove clogs, preventing flooding and enabling proper cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drain pump operates continuously to remove water, then drainage efficiency is improved, but clogs occur due to soil buildup at restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with alternating periods of pumping and pause. During pause periods, the check valve maintains pressure to prevent soil settlement, while during pumping periods, the pump removes water and loosens soil deposits. This periodic operation prevents clog formation while maintaining drainage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is positioned to maintain residual pressure in the drain hose during pump pause periods, creating a cushioning effect that prevents soil from settling and forming clogs at restrictions. This beforehand cushioning prepares the system to prevent clog formation before it occurs.
2Reliability
If manual clog removal methods are used, then clogs can be cleared, but the appliance must be removed and manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher's control system automatically detects clog conditions through sensors and initiates the periodic pump operation sequence without user intervention. The system self-diagnoses the clog condition and self-corrects by executing the periodic pumping routine, eliminating the need for manual removal or appliance disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors monitor the drain hose conditions and provide feedback to the control system. When a clog is detected, the control system receives this feedback and automatically adjusts pump operation to periodic cycles, enabling automatic detection and correction of clog conditions without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the pump is repeatedly activated and deactivated, then clogs are removed, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump operates at full capacity during each pumping interval to maximize clog removal effectiveness, using excessive action during these intervals. The pause intervals allow the system to reset and maintain pressure, creating an efficient cycle that removes clogs effectively while minimizing total operation time compared to continuous or frequent low-power operation.
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
Effectively removes clogs from the drain hose without requiring manual intervention, preventing flooding and ensuring effective dishwasher operation by automatically detecting and clearing blockages during cycles.
Implementation Method 1
repeatedly activating and deactivating the drain pump to facilitate removal of the clog
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and an associated system for removing a forming or fully developed clog from a drain hose in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the system includes a drain pump configured to remove water from the dishwasher and a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain pump. The system further includes a control device in operable communication with the drain pump and configured to execute a drain routine in response to detecting a clog in the drain hose, wherein the drain routine comprises repeatedly activating and deactivating the drain pump to facilitate removal of the clog.