Dishwasher Filter Flushing via Periodic Cross-Flow Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher filters often clog due to smaller particles, leading to inefficiencies in fluid circulation and cleanliness, and are difficult to service, as conventional methods require frequent draining and refilling or compromise on particle removal size.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a dishwasher appliance with a cross-flow pump system that temporarily interrupts the flow of filtered wash fluid to the spray assembly during a wash cycle, allowing unfiltered fluid to circulate and flush the filter, reducing clogging without draining the tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fine particle filter is used to remove small particles from wash fluid, then the cleanliness of articles is improved, but the filter becomes clogged during early wash stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic reverse flushing of the filter media by periodically reversing pump operation to flush accumulated particles from the filter media, preventing clogging while maintaining fine particle removal capability throughout the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow direction parameter by reversing pump operation to flush the filter media, transforming the filter from a particle-trapping state to a particle-clearing state, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining filtration effectiveness
2Ease of repair
If the filter is made accessible and serviceable, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into a removable filter element that can be independently accessed and serviced, allowing users to clean or replace the filter media without disassembling the entire pump or filtration system
Solution Approach 2:
A removable filter element acts as an intermediary component between the pump and the wash fluid, providing easy access for maintenance while maintaining the integrity and simplicity of the overall pump system design
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
This approach minimizes filter clogging, conserves water, and maintains cleanliness by allowing continuous fluid circulation while periodically flushing the filter, reducing the need for manual cleaning or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
A cross-flow pump is coupled to the circulation conduit and is configured for selectively urging wash fluid from the unfiltered volume of the sump to the wash chamber of the tub through the circulation conduit
Implementation Method 2
The fluid is circulated during a given cycle using a pump
Implementation Method 3
For mechanical filtration, the selectivity of the filter to remove soil particles of different sizes is typically determined by providing fluid paths (such as pores or apertures) through filter media that are smaller than the particles for which filtration is desired
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The method includes interrupting a flow of wash fluid from a filtered volume of a sump to a spray assembly for a period of time during a wash cycle and resuming the flow of wash fluid from the filtered volume of the sump to the spray assembly after the period of time has elapsed during the wash cycle. The method can assist with limiting clogging of a filter media positioned between the filtered volume of the sump and an unfiltered position of the sump.