Dishwasher Filter Edge Geometry to Prevent Sump Residue Drop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher filters accumulate residues at their peripheral edges during maintenance, which can fall into the sump and potentially block the drain or wash pumps, posing a risk of mechanical failure and hygiene issues.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher filter with an inclined peripheral edge, where the edge is designed to slope inward at a minimum of 20°, preventing residue accumulation and ensuring they fall into the filter center during maintenance, thus preventing blockages and improving cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the filter peripheral edge is flat or rounded, then the filter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but residues accumulate at the edge and can fall into the sump during maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter structure simplicityVSAvoidresidue accumulation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter edge is designed with different geometries at different locations: the first portion has a first geometry while the second portion has a second geometry, creating varying slopes along the edge. This local variation in geometry prevents residue accumulation at specific areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the filter edge geometry is complex to prevent residue accumulation, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue accumulation preventionVSAvoidfilter edge geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter edge geometry is defined by varying parameters such as slope angles and radial distances along different portions of the edge. By systematically changing these geometric parameters from the first portion to the second portion, the design achieves effective residue prevention without requiring overly complex structures, maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 inclined edge design effectively prevents residue accumulation, enhancing maintenance safety, hygiene, and simplifying filter cleaning by ensuring residues are contained within the filter during maintenance, reducing the risk of pump blockages and improving overall dishwasher hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

the inclined wall 10 of edge 8' has a slope of at least 20° and preferably 45°... dirt residues having such a size as to pose a problem to the hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher can not remain on edge 8', in that said position is highly unstable, and fall toward the center of filter 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP1878377B1Dishwasher filter
Publication Date: 2008.10.29 BONFERRARO SPA
  • EP1878377B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Dishwasher filter (1) including a flared annular portion (6) and a peripheral edge (8'), in which said edge (8') includes a wall (10) substantially inclined downwards and toward the center of the filter (1). In this way, it is possible to prevent large residues potentially harmful for the dishwasher hydraulic circuit from accumulating at the peripheral edge (8') of the filter (1) and falling inside the underlying sump when the filter (1) is pulled out of its seat (2) during the maintenance phase.