Dishwasher Pump Sump Filter Cleaning by Reverse Spray Jets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher filter systems, comprising flat, coarse, and microfilters, become clogged with food residues and particles, leading to reduced filter performance and resoiling, as existing cleaning methods cannot effectively remove dirt particles like caraway seeds from the filter surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device is integrated within the pump sump of the dishwasher, positioned to clean the filter elements from the opposite side of the filter surface, using spray nozzles and a distributor pipeline to direct high-pressure liquid jets counter to the usual flow direction, and optionally featuring movable cleaning bodies or scrapers to remove residues from the underside of the filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spray nozzles on the underside of the lower spray arm are used to clean the filter surface, then some cleaning action is provided, but dirt particles like caraway seeds are pressed further into the filter openings and become compacted, reducing filter performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device sprays liquid onto the underside of the flat filter from the pump sump, cleaning the filter from the opposite side to the normal washing direction. This inversion of the cleaning approach allows dirt to be removed from the filter openings without being pressed further in, resolving the contradiction between providing cleaning action and maintaining filter performance
2Productivity
If the filter system operates continuously without effective cleaning, then the dishwasher maintains operational continuity, but the filter becomes clogged with food residues, leading to reduced filter performance and resoiling
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning is integrated into the dishwasher's normal operation through the hydraulic circuit, allowing the filter to clean itself continuously without requiring separate maintenance operations. The cleaning device uses the dishwasher's own hydraulic system to provide ongoing filter maintenance, enabling continuous operation while preserving filter performance
3Reliability
If a cleaning device is added within the pump sump to clean the filter element from the opposite side, then filter performance is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is integrated into the existing pump sump structure and hydraulic circuit of the dishwasher. The spray nozzles are connected to the existing hydraulic system, and the cleaning function is merged with the normal washing operation, reducing the need for separate complex cleaning systems while maintaining filter performance
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 solution maintains filter performance by effectively cleaning the filter elements, preventing clogging and ensuring optimal washing results, even during continuous use, by utilizing the dishwasher's hydraulic circuit to provide high-pressure cleaning and mechanical removal of residues.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning device can have at least one spray nozzle, in particular a multiplicity of spray nozzles, which can mechanically spray the filter element by means of liquid jets
Implementation Method 2
In the hydraulic circuit, one or more feed lines can lead from the circulation pump to the spray devices that are arranged in the dishwasher interior
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a circulation pump for circulating a washing liquid in a hydraulic circuit. Connected to an induction side of the circulation pump is a pump sump through which washing liquid flows. The sump pump includes at least one filter element that retains dirt particles contained in the washing liquid and can be cleaned by at least one cleaning device provided in the pump sump.