Dishwasher Water Recovery Pump Air Evacuation Without Vent Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pumps used in washing machines for water circulation and recovery require an integrated air vent device, which increases costs due to the need for a membrane and pipe setup for air evacuation, complicating the system and raising expenses.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the water recovery pump is operated to evacuate air from the hydraulic water distribution circuit by opening a valve and allowing water to flow by gravity, eliminating the need for an air vent device on the pump, thus reducing costs and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated air vent device is added to the centrifugal pump body, then air evacuation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air venting function is extracted from the pump body and implemented as a separate, independent system using a valve and pipe connection between the pump inlet and outlet. This separates the air evacuation function from the pump structure, avoiding complexity in the pump body while still achieving reliable air removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control air evacuation. The valve acts as a mediator that opens to allow air to escape from the pump inlet through the pipe to the outlet, then closes to prevent water loss, simplifying the overall system compared to an integrated air vent device.
2Reliability
If an integrated air vent device with membrane and pipe is integrated on the pump body, then air evacuation is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air venting function is extracted from the expensive integrated pump design and implemented as a separate, simpler system using standard valve and pipe components. This separation allows for lower manufacturing costs while maintaining the air evacuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses simpler, more economical components (standard valve and pipe) instead of the expensive integrated air vent device with membrane. These separate components are more cost-effective and easier to manufacture and replace if needed.
3Reliability
If the pump operates continuously to evacuate air, then air removal is effective, but energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve operates periodically rather than continuously - opening during air evacuation phases and closing during normal operation. This periodic action allows effective air removal while minimizing energy consumption and operational complexity compared to continuous pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pump's normal operation and gravity-driven water flow to evacuate air automatically when the valve opens, without requiring additional energy input or complex control mechanisms. The air evacuation is achieved as a byproduct of the existing water circulation system.
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 method effectively evacuates air from the system without additional venting devices, reducing the overall cost of the washing machine and ensuring efficient operation of the water recovery pump by preventing air bubbles that decrease its power.
Implementation Method 1
a step of keeping the water recovery pump stopped and the valve in the open position so as to evacuate air trapped in the hydraulic water distribution circuit between the sump of the washing tank and the water tank by a flow of water by gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling the operation of a washing machine (1) includes a step of filling a water reservoir (5) with wash and/or rinse water. This filling step includes: a step of supplying wash and/or rinse water to a sump (4) of a wash tub (2); a step of opening a valve (9); a first step of starting a water recovery pump (8) to drain some of the wash and/or rinse water from said sump (4) of said wash tub (2) to said water reservoir (5); a step of holding said water recovery pump (8) off and holding said valve (9) in the open position. This method is used, in particular, in a domestic dishwasher.