Dishwasher Filter Backflushing Using Washing Pump Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher filters accumulate foreign materials, leading to reduced flow rates, increased flow resistance, and potential odor issues due to decay, which affect washing performance and pump overload.
Innovation Solution
A control method for the dishwasher that utilizes a washing fluid backflow to separate foreign materials from filters by adjusting the washing pump's operation and channel control, ensuring effective cleaning and discharge without a separate filter cleaning unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filter apparatus operates continuously without cleaning, then foreign materials accumulate in the filter, but this causes flow resistance to increase and washing fluid flow rate to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus cleans itself by utilizing the washing fluid circulation system already present in the dishwasher. The washing pump drives washing fluid through the filter during normal operation, and the same system enables periodic reverse flushing to remove accumulated foreign materials, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning or additional cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements periodic reverse flushing cycles during the washing operation. At predetermined intervals, the washing pump reverses its rotation direction to flush accumulated foreign materials from the filter apparatus, maintaining optimal flow characteristics without requiring continuous manual intervention or separate cleaning operations.
2Ease of operation
If foreign materials are not removed from the filter, then the filter continues to function, but decay of foreign materials causes pungent odor inside the washer
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus automatically eliminates odor-causing foreign materials through periodic reverse flushing driven by the washing pump. This self-cleaning mechanism prevents decay and odor generation without requiring user intervention for manual cleaning or disposal of accumulated debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors washing operation duration and automatically initiates reverse flushing at predetermined intervals to prevent foreign material accumulation and odor generation. This feedback-based timing system ensures the filter is cleaned before odor problems can develop, maintaining freshness without user awareness or intervention.
3Device complexity
If no separate filter cleaning unit is added, then device complexity remains low, but foreign materials accumulate and reduce washing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The washing pump serves dual functions: it drives washing fluid through the filter apparatus during normal washing operations to maintain filtration, and it performs reverse flushing at predetermined intervals to clean accumulated foreign materials from the filter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining washing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning function is merged with the existing washing fluid circulation system. The same washing pump, control unit, and fluid pathways used for dishwashing are utilized to perform periodic reverse flushing of the filter, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system without adding separate cleaning hardware.
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 method enhances filter cleaning efficiency, maintains optimal washing performance, prevents filter clogging, and reduces odors by effectively removing foreign materials, thereby improving dish cleanliness and product reliability.
Implementation Method 1
back flowing the washing water to the washing pump from the washing water guide
Implementation Method 2
separating foreign materials attached to the filter by colliding the back flowing washing water with the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a dishwasher is provided in which a filter is cleaned by controlling an operation of a washing pump. In this control method, washing fluid pumped by the washing pump back flows and is directed to the filter so as to remove foreign materials accumulated in the filter from the filter.