Dishwasher Overflow Reservoir Layout for Particle-Safe Float Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluid overflow safety system in dishwashers often malfunctions due to solid particles accumulating in the fluid collection reservoir, which can impede the correct movement of the float and trigger behavior, leading to improper response to fluid overflows or leaks.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a main reservoir with additional intermediate reservoirs to collect and deposit solid particles, preventing them from entering the main reservoir and ensuring the float's correct operation by allowing evaporation and sedimentation of impurities in the intermediate reservoirs, thus maintaining the fluid overflow safety system's reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fluid collection reservoir is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but solid particles accumulate in the reservoir and impair the overflow safety unit's response behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection apparatus is divided into a main reservoir and one or more intermediate reservoirs. The intermediate reservoirs are positioned to receive leakage and overflow fluid first, allowing solid particles to settle before the fluid enters the main reservoir. This segmentation prevents solid particle accumulation in the main reservoir, ensuring the float and overflow safety unit maintain reliable response behavior without requiring frequent cleaning or maintenance.
2Reliability
If intermediate reservoirs are added to separate solid particles, then the reliability of the safety system improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into intermediate reservoirs for particle separation and a main reservoir for float operation. This allows the float mechanism to operate in cleaner fluid while intermediate reservoirs handle the separation function, improving reliability without requiring complex external filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate reservoirs act as intermediary components between the fluid collection apparatus and the main reservoir. They receive fluid containing solid particles, allow particles to settle, and then transfer the clarified fluid to the main reservoir. This intermediary function protects the float mechanism from direct exposure to solid particles, ensuring reliable operation.
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 enhances the long-term operational reliability of the fluid overflow safety system by reducing maintenance needs and preventing solid particles from interfering with the float's movement, ensuring accurate triggering of the water supply and drain pump.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more additional intermediate reservoirs for collecting leakage fluid and/or overflow fluid from the tub and/or the respectively fluid-conducting component are disposed and configured in such a manner that solid particles contained in the leakage and/or overflow fluid can largely be deposited and/or retained in the one or more intermediate reservoirs
Implementation Method 2
allowing evaporation and sedimentation of impurities in the intermediate reservoirs
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub and a bottom assembly disposed below the tub and including at least one fluid collection apparatus having a main reservoir with a fluid overflow safety unit and at least one additional intermediate reservoir for collecting leakage and/or overflow fluid from the tub and/or at least one fluid-conducting component. The additional intermediate reservoir is disposed and configured such that solid particles contained in the leakage and/or overflow fluid can largely be deposited and/or retained in the at least one additional intermediate reservoir. The additional intermediate reservoir is connected to the main reservoir by at least one run-off to conduct fluid out of the additional intermediate reservoir into the main reservoir when a predetermined fill level top limit in the additional intermediate reservoir is exceeded, with the run-off having a gradient from the intermediate reservoir to the main reservoir.