Dishwasher Filter Self-Cleaning Using Intermittent Pump Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers face performance deterioration due to filth clogging the filter, leading to inefficient wash water circulation and the need for manual filter cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A method and dishwasher design that involve intermittently driving the washing pump to change the water level around the filter, allowing wash water to flow backwards and remove small filth from the mesh, and automatically determining filter clogging during strong spraying to efficiently clear blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the washing pump is continuously driven to spray wash water, then washing performance is maintained, but filth accumulates and clogs the filter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidfilter clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washing pump is operated in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller alternates between driving the washing pump to spray wash water and stopping it to allow water level to rise and drain back, creating periodic action that prevents filth accumulation while maintaining washing performance over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleaning function is achieved through the system's own operating cycles. By controlling the washing pump to stop and start periodically, the system uses its own wash water circulation to naturally drain and clean the filter area, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the water level in the sump is maintained high, then filter cleaning is effective, but washing performance deteriorates due to insufficient spray pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidspray pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically alternates between high water level states (for filter cleaning) and low water level states (for washing). The controller drives the washing pump to create spray pressure when water level is low, then stops to allow water level to rise for filter cleaning, achieving both objectives through time-based separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The water level in the sump is dynamically changed rather than maintained at a fixed level. The controller adjusts water level by controlling the washing pump operation, creating dynamic transitions between high and low levels to optimize both filter cleaning and washing performance at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual filter cleaning is required, then filter clogging can be removed, but user intervention time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter clogging removalVSAvoiduser intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaning operation is automated through the controller that manages the washing pump cycles. The system performs filter cleaning autonomously by controlling water level changes and pump operation, completely eliminating the need for manual user intervention in filter maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors washing pump operation and water level changes to automatically determine when filter cleaning is needed. By detecting changes in pump current or operational characteristics, the system provides feedback-based automatic control of the cleaning cycles without user input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables effective removal of filth from the filter, improves washing performance, minimizes disentanglement time, and automates filter cleaning, reducing user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a washing pump mounted in the sump to pump the wash water stored in the sump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

stopping the washing pump to collect the wash water pumped to the at least one of the spray arms to the sump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity drainage: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

a filter that filters wash water and allows the filtered wash water to flow to the sump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

supplying wash water from an external water source to a sump and intermittently driving a washing pump to change the level of water around a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackflow:

Data Source

PatentUS11478122B2Dishwasher and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed are a dishwasher that sprays wash water to wash dishes or cookware and a method of controlling the same. The method of controlling the dishwasher includes supplying wash water from an external water source to a sump and intermittently driving a washing pump to change the level of water around a filter, thereby removing filth from the filter.