Dishwasher Sump Filter Shelf for Passive Anti-Clog Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher fluid circulation systems face issues with filter clogging due to excess soil, which can block fluid flow and require additional water or energy to clean, decreasing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid circulation system with a sump containing a pump and a filter with perforated sidewalls, where a cantilevered shelf facilitates passive cleaning of the filter by directing fluid flow to remove soil without increasing energy or water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used to filter soil from fluid in the circulation system, then filtering performance is improved, but the filter becomes clogged with excess soil blocking fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is positioned to preemptively intercept soil particles before they reach and clog the filter. By creating a preliminary filtration stage at the sump inlet, the system prevents soil accumulation on the filter, maintaining both filtering performance and fluid flow capacity throughout operation.
2Ease of operation
If fluid is diverted to spray the filter for cleaning, then filter cleaning is achieved, but water usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf structure enables the filter to clean itself passively by utilizing the existing fluid flow through the system. The geometry of the shelf creates turbulence and eddies that automatically wash soil particles off the filter surface and direct them toward the drain, eliminating the need for additional water or energy input.
3Ease of operation
If more water is utilized during dishwasher operation to clean the filter, then filter cleaning is improved, but energy and water efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf configuration leverages the kinetic energy already present in the circulating fluid to perform filter cleaning. By strategically positioning the shelf to create fluid dynamics that wash the filter surface, the system achieves effective cleaning without requiring additional energy input beyond what is already used for normal water circulation.
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 effectively maintains filter clarity and fluid flow without diverting water from spray assemblies or increasing energy consumption, enhancing the efficiency of dishwasher operation.
Implementation Method 1
a filter at least partially disposed within the chamber and surrounding the impeller, the filter including a sidewall, the sidewall defining a plurality of perforations extending therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a shelf cantilevered from the sidewall of the sump towards the filter... facilitates passive cleaning of the filter by directing fluid flow to remove soil
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid circulation systems for dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber. A fluid circulation system includes a sump for receiving fluid from the wash chamber. The sump includes a chamber having a sidewall and a base wall. The fluid circulation system further includes a pump, the pump including an impeller disposed within the chamber. The fluid circulation system further includes a filter at least partially disposed within the chamber and surrounding the impeller, the filter including a sidewall, the sidewall defining a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. The fluid circulation system further includes a shelf cantilevered from the sidewall of the sump towards the filter.