Dishwasher Coarse Filter Purging With Reversed Wash Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher appliances often experience performance issues due to clogging caused by debris accumulation on filters, which can lead to increased water usage and redeposition of debris, compromising cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of multiple pumps to manage wash fluid flow through a coarse filter, including initial and additional purge cycles with both recirculation and drain pumps, to dislodge and remove debris, and reversing fluid flow to lift accumulated particles from the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wash fluid is continuously circulated through the filter during normal operation, then cleaning performance is maintained, but debris accumulates on the filter causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filter purging at predetermined intervals during operation, proactively removing accumulated debris before it causes clogging and performance degradation. The controller activates the drain pump to reverse flow through the filter, dislodging and removing debris in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter purging operation is executed periodically at predetermined time intervals during dishwasher operation. The controller monitors operation duration and triggers purging cycles at scheduled intervals to maintain filter performance without continuous intervention.
2Productivity
If additional water is added to compensate for filter clogging, then wash cycles can complete, but water efficiency decreases and debris may be redeposited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filter purging before debris accumulation reaches levels that would require additional water or cause redeposition. By maintaining optimal filter performance proactively, the system ensures wash cycles complete efficiently without needing extra water compensation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drain pump is used to purge the filter, then debris is removed, but the pump must handle both drainage and purging functions
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump is designed to perform multiple functions: normal drainage operations and filter purging operations. The controller manages the pump's operation mode by activating it in reverse flow configuration during purging cycles, eliminating the need for a dedicated purging pump while maintaining system effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If the recirculation pump operates alone, then fluid circulation is maintained, but debris cannot be effectively removed from the filter
Solution Approach 1:
During filter purging, the system reverses the normal flow direction by activating the drain pump to push fluid backward through the filter. This reverse flow configuration dislodges accumulated debris from the filter media, enabling effective removal that cannot be achieved with forward flow alone.
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 effectively reduces debris accumulation on filters, enhances cleaning performance, and improves water efficiency by ensuring proper drainage and circulation within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
activating the recirculation pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction for an initial purge cycle, and activating the drain pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction for the initial purge cycle
Implementation Method 2
flushing wash fluid through the coarse filter and into the tub in a secondary flow direction, the secondary flow direction being opposite from the primary flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance and method of operation is provided. The dishwasher appliance may include a tub defining a wash chamber, a coarse filter disposed, a recirculation pump, and a drain pump. The method may include activating the recirculation pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in a primary flow direction, and activating the drain pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction for an initial purge cycle. Further included may be flushing wash fluid through the coarse filter and into the tub in a secondary flow direction opposite from the primary flow direction. Still further included may be activating the recirculation pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction, and activating the drain pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction for an additional purge cycle.