Automatic dishwasher with pump assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing machines face inefficiencies in filtering and recirculating wash fluid, leading to re-deposition of soil particles on dishes and increased maintenance needs due to inadequate filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a recirculation pump assembly with a rotary filter and flow diverters that separates soil particles from wash fluid, allowing for effective filtration and re-circulation of clean water, while also incorporating a drain pump for efficient drainage of soiled water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional filtration system is used in dishwashing machines, then the structure is simple, but filtration efficiency is insufficient leading to soil particle re-deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into distinct functional sections: a filtration section with a filter assembly that separates soil particles from wash fluid, and a recirculation section that returns clean water to the treating chamber. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high filtration efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is merged with the recirculation pump assembly, where the filter assembly is integrated into the pump housing. The wash pump serves dual functions: filtering wash fluid through the filter assembly and recirculating clean water to the sprayer. This merging eliminates the need for separate filtration and recirculation systems, achieving high filtration efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If wash fluid is recirculated without effective filtration, then the system is simple, but soil particles are re-deposited on dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly performs preliminary filtration of wash fluid before it is recirculated by the wash pump. Soil particles are separated from the wash fluid in advance of recirculation, ensuring that only clean water is returned to the treating chamber. This preliminary action prevents soil re-deposition on dishes while maintaining a relatively simple recirculation system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly acts as an intermediary between the wash fluid and the recirculation system. It mediates by separating soil particles from wash fluid, allowing clean water to pass through to the recirculation outlet while retaining soil particles. This intermediary function ensures reliable prevention of soil re-deposition while keeping the recirculation system structure manageable.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both recirculation and drainage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of separate functions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a wash pump with impeller for recirculation, a filter assembly for filtration, and a drain outlet with screen for drainage. Each component is optimized for its specific function, ensuring high functional reliability. The segmented design achieves separate recirculation and drainage functions while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pump assembly have specialized structures optimized for their specific functions: the filtration section has a filter assembly with specific filtration characteristics, the recirculation section has an impeller designed for efficient water movement, and the drainage section has a screen for particle retention. This local quality optimization ensures high functional reliability for each operation while maintaining overall system integration.
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 solution enhances filtration efficiency, prevents soil re-deposition on dishes, reduces user maintenance, and maximizes dishwasher performance by effectively recirculating clean water and draining soiled water.
Implementation Method 1
a wash pump fluidly coupled to the recirculation path to pump the liquid from the sump to the sprayer
Implementation Method 2
a drain pump having an inlet fluidly coupled to the drain outlet of the housing and an outlet configured to fluidly couple to a household drain
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic dishwasher with a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system that supplies liquid to the treating chamber, and a pump assembly that fluidly couples the treating chamber to the liquid spraying system and where the pump assembly includes a housing having an inlet, a recirculation outlet, and a drain outlet.