Dishwasher Filter Device Single-Wall Inlet Outlet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices for industrial washing machines and dishwashers require cumbersome installation and maintenance due to separate inlet and outlet connections on opposite sides, making them difficult to install and maintain, especially in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

The filter device integrates the inlet and outlet openings into the same housing wall, allowing all piping to be routed from one side, and features a sieve element that extends transversely across the flow path to filter coarse residues while redirecting clean water flow, with a deflection zone to facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inlet and outlet openings are located on opposite sides of the filter housing, then the filtration function is achieved, but the installation and maintenance become cumbersome and difficult in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inlet and outlet openings into the same housing wall, allowing both connections to be accessed from one side. This combining of connection points eliminates the need for diametrically opposed connection points, significantly simplifying installation and maintenance in confined spaces while maintaining the filtration function through the sieve element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate inlet and outlet nozzles are provided on opposite sides, then water supply and drainage are ensured, but pipe connections must be prepared on two different sides increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply and drainageVSAvoidpipe connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inlet and outlet openings on the same housing wall, reducing the number of connection points from two separate locations to one location. This merging simplifies pipe connection preparation and routing while ensuring reliable water supply to the inlet and drainage from the outlet through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the filter device is designed for external connection to water drain side, then it can roughly clean wastewater, but installation requires two-sided connections which is problematic in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewastewater cleaning capabilityVSAvoidinstallation in confined spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inlet and outlet connections onto the same housing wall, transforming the external filter device into one that can be installed in confined spaces. This design maintains the wastewater cleaning capability while eliminating the need for two-sided connections, making installation feasible in previously inaccessible locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies installation and maintenance by reducing the need for dual-sided connections, enhances filtration efficiency, and eases cleaning by collecting residues in a removable tray and redirecting clean water flow for easy discharge.

Implementation Method 1

A filter device integrated into a household washing machine is known from JP2010057651 A as a lint filter box or filter box. Such a filter unit only needs to trap lint.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a flow path between the sieve element and the outlet opening leads through a flow channel at least in a final section before the outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4259873B1Filter device for a dishwasher or a washing mashine
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HANS JOACHIM SCHNEIDER
  • EP4259873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4259873B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4259873B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter device for dishwashers or washing machines, having: a filter housing (3); an inlet opening (5) for feed water; an outlet opening (7) for clean water, wherein the inlet opening is formed in a first housing wall (3.1); and a filter unit (9) for filtering the feed water, which filter unit is arranged downstream of the inlet opening in the flow path of the feed water, which filter device is characterised in that the outlet opening is formed in the first housing wall.