Filter assembly for a water-bearing domestic appliance, pump well for a water-bearing domestic appliance, washing container for a water-bearing domestic appliance, and water-bearing domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher filter screens in household appliances tend to clog with dirt during operation, requiring manual cleaning and lacking effective methods for continuous maintenance and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a filter screen acting as a cathode and a boron-doped diamond anode, applying a DC voltage for electrochemical cleaning, generating hydrogen gas to dislodge dirt and producing oxidizing agents for disinfection, optionally combined with an ultrasonic device for mechanical cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter screen is cleaned manually by removal, then the filter screen can be cleaned, but the dishwasher operation is interrupted and labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen performs self-cleaning through electrochemical processes. A voltage source applies electrical voltage between the filter screen (first electrode) and a second electrode, causing hydrolysis of the rinsing solution and generating gas bubbles that mechanically remove dirt from the filter screen surface without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning is replaced by electrochemical cleaning. The system uses electrical voltage to generate gas bubbles and hydrolysis reactions that automatically clean the filter screen, substituting the need for manual removal and washing with an automated electrochemical process
2Productivity
If electrochemical cleaning is applied to the filter screen, then continuous cleaning is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cleans the filter screen through gas bubble generation, generates oxidizing agents (hydroxyl radicals) for disinfection, and can sterilize items in the washing compartment. This multi-functionality justifies the energy consumption by providing several benefits from a single energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies electrical voltage as a controllable parameter to initiate hydrolysis and gas bubble formation. By adjusting the voltage parameters, the cleaning efficiency and oxidizing agent generation can be optimized to achieve effective cleaning with reasonable energy consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If the filter screen is made of metal for conductivity, then electrochemical cleaning is enabled, but the filter screen is susceptible to corrosion and material removal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the filter screen the anode (which would cause material removal through oxidation), the filter screen is configured as the cathode. This inversion protects the filter screen material while still enabling electrochemical cleaning through gas bubble generation at the cathode surface and oxidizing agent formation at the anode
4Productivity
If a second electrode is added for electrochemical cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrode (anode) enables the electrochemical cleaning process to function by serving as the site for oxidizing agent generation and completing the electrical circuit. This additional component is essential for the multi-functional operation of the system, providing cleaning, disinfection, and potential sterilization capabilities
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 filter arrangement effectively cleans the filter screen electrochemically, prevents dirt redeposition, and generates bactericides, enhancing the dishwasher's cleaning and disinfection capabilities while reducing wear on the filter screen.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical voltage can be applied between the filter screen and the second electrode for electrochemical cleaning of the filter screen... Gas bubbles can be generated on the filter screen with the aid of the electrical voltage... hydrogen gas forms at an interface between the filter screen and debris adhering to the filter screen
Implementation Method 2
the second electrode is a boron-doped diamond electrode... hydroxide radicals in particular with a high electrochemical potential of 2.8 volts can be generated directly... Oxidizing agents such as hydroxyl radicals are preferably formed at the anode
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter assembly (12) for a water-bearing domestic appliance (1), in particular for a dishwasher, comprising a filter screen (13) connected as a first electrode and comprising a second electrode (14), wherein a voltage can be applied between the filter screen (13) and the second electrode (14) in order to electrochemically clean the filter screen (13).