Pump and dishwasher comprising the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers face issues with heat exchange efficiency and heater durability due to foreign matter adherence and corrosion, and the performance of pumps is compromised when generating steam.

Innovation Solution

A pump design with a heater integrated within the pump housing, where the heater generates steam without exposing the washing water to the steam discharge path, using a selector valve to prevent washing water discharge and ensure efficient steam generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heater is installed inside the sump to heat washing water, then hot water can be generated for cleaning, but the heater surface becomes exposed to washing water causing foreign matter adherence and corrosion that deteriorates heat exchange efficiency and durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing water temperatureVSAvoidheater durability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is divided into a heating chamber and an impeller chamber by a partition wall, separating the heater from the washing water flow path while allowing heat transmission through the partition wall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall acts as an intermediary between the heater and washing water, allowing heat transfer while preventing direct contact between the heater surface and washing water containing foreign matter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a heater is installed in the pump to generate steam, then steam can be supplied to the tub, but the pump performance is deteriorated as washing water flows out through the steam discharge path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation capabilityVSAvoidpump performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is segmented into a heating chamber for steam generation and an impeller chamber for water pumping, with separate discharge paths that prevent washing water from flowing through the steam discharge path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the pump housing are assigned different functions: the heating chamber is optimized for steam generation with a heater, while the impeller chamber is optimized for water pumping, with each region having appropriate structural characteristics

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

This design maintains pump performance while generating steam, preventing washing water from entering the steam discharge path and optimizing steam generation without compromising the pump's efficiency or heater durability.

Implementation Method 1

a heater (81) configured to heat the washing water in the pump housing (82) to generate steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a steam discharge port (845) formed through the pump housing (82) to allow steam to be discharged there through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3560406B1Pump and dishwasher comprising the same
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3560406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3560406B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3560406B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pump for transmitting washing water and generating steam and a dishwasher including the pump. The pump includes a housing; a washing water inlet pipe coupled to the housing to receive washing water; a washing water outlet pipe coupled to the housing to discharge the washing water; an impeller disposed in the housing to discharge the washing water from the washing water inlet pipe to the washing water outlet pipe; a heater coupled to the housing to heat the washing water in the housing and generate steam; a steam discharge pipe to discharge the steam generated by the heater; and a selector valve coupled to the steam discharge pipe to block the discharge of the washing water and allow the steam to be discharged, thereby preventing the discharge of washing water through the steam discharge pipe.