Dishwasher Filtration Wall Cleaning During Water Tank Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashing machines with washing and/or rinsing water tanks face issues with clogged filtration walls due to waste accumulation, leading to decreased washing performance, as the water circulation pump's flow does not effectively pass through the filtration device, causing waste to be retained and deposited on the filtration wall.

Innovation Solution

A method and control unit for operating a washing machine that includes a step of cleaning the filtration wall by operating a water recovery pump and a water circulation pump to direct waste towards a filtration device, using a reduced water flow to minimize cooling and drying impact on dishes, and stopping the circulation pump when a predetermined water level is reached to prevent over-filling and waste deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the water circulation pump supplies water to fill the water tank from the sump, then the water tank is filled with washing and/or rinsing water, but waste accumulates on the filtration wall and clogs it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater in water tankVSAvoidfiltration wall performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary cleaning action on the filtration wall during the water tank filling phase. Before the filtration wall becomes clogged with waste, the water circulation pump activates to spray water onto the filtration wall, washing away accumulated waste particles and preventing clogging that would otherwise occur during subsequent washing cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous filtration wall cleaning by integrating the cleaning action into the regular water tank filling operation. Every time the water tank needs to be filled (during or between washing cycles), the filtration wall is simultaneously cleaned, ensuring continuous prevention of waste accumulation without requiring separate maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If the water circulation pump generates high water flow to clean the filtration wall, then waste is effectively removed, but dishes are过度 cooled and drying performance is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration wall cleanlinessVSAvoiddish temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial cleaning action by directing water spray only to the filtration wall area rather than the entire washing tank. The water circulation pump is positioned and angled to spray specifically onto the filtration wall, providing sufficient cleaning force to remove waste while minimizing water contact with dishes, thus preventing excessive cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning action is localized to the filtration wall region. The water circulation system creates a targeted spray pattern that concentrates cleaning force where needed (on the filtration wall) while avoiding unnecessary water exposure to dishes. This localized approach maintains different conditions in different areas: strong water flow where cleaning is needed, minimal water flow where temperature preservation is important.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method effectively cleans the filtration wall and prevents waste accumulation, maintaining washing performance while reducing water consumption and energy usage by minimizing water flow and pressure during the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

the waste retained by a filtration wall arranged above a sump of the washing tank are driven by a flow of water generated by the water circulation pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

operating a pump for recovering water supplying water to the water tank and by operating a water circulation pump supplying water to at least one water spraying means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP2684503B1Method for controlling the operation of a washing machine and associated washing machine
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 GRP BRANDT
  • EP2684503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2684503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2684503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves filling water in a water tank, and cleaning a filtration wall (37) that is placed above a sump (4) of a washing tank (2) by starting a water recovery pump. The recovery pump is supplied with water from the water tank, and water circulation pump (3) is allowed to feed water to a water sprinkling unit (24) so as to sprinkle water on the filtration wall. The water circulation pump is arranged to generate a reduced water flow. A water level is detected in the sump of the washing tank. An independent claim is also included for a washing machine.