Dishwasher with filter assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face challenges in effectively filtering recirculated wash liquids, leading to soil particle accumulation on filters and reduced filtration efficiency, which can result in re-deposition of soil on utensils and increased maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pump and filter system featuring a rotating filter with upstream and downstream surfaces and first and second flow diverters that create an increased shear force zone, aiding in the removal of soil particles by generating angular acceleration and shear forces to clean the filter and maintain filtration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided to remove soil particles from the wash liquid, then filtration efficiency is improved, but soil particle accumulation on the filter occurs leading to reduced filtration efficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs flow diverters that automatically generate shear forces to clean the filter surface during normal operation, enabling the filter to self-clean without external intervention. This self-service mechanism prevents soil accumulation and maintains filtration efficiency continuously throughout the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverters create periodic shear force zones as wash liquid flows through the system, continuously disrupting soil particle accumulation on the filter surface. This periodic action prevents clogging and maintains consistent filtration performance throughout the operational cycle.
2Reliability
If flow diverters are rotated to create increased shear force zones for cleaning the filter, then soil removal is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverters are designed to rotate automatically using the kinetic energy already present in the flowing wash liquid, rather than requiring an external power source. The system converts the existing fluid flow energy into rotational motion of the diverters, creating shear forces for filter cleaning without additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanically driven rotation system with a fluid-dynamic system where the flowing wash liquid itself drives the rotation of flow diverters. This substitution eliminates the need for motors or external power sources, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective filter cleaning.
3Productivity
If a rotating filter system is implemented, then continuous filtration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtration function with the flow diversion and cleaning functions into a single integrated rotating assembly. The filter, flow diverters, and cleaning mechanism are merged into one unit that performs multiple functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter assembly serves multiple functions: it filters wash liquid, generates shear forces for soil removal, and enables continuous operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity.
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 system enhances filtration efficiency by preventing soil re-deposition on utensils and reducing user maintenance, while minimizing energy consumption for rotating the flow diverters, thus maintaining dishwasher performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
first and second flow diverters spaced from and rotating relative to one of the downstream and upstream surfaces, respectively, to form an increased shear force zone
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid recirculation system having a pump for recirculating liquid and a liquid filtering system for filtering the recirculating liquid. The liquid filtering system includes a filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid and a flow diverter or flow diverter to aid in cleaning the filter.