Dishwasher Circulation Pump Inlet Layout for Residue Flushing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers face issues with residual alkaline and chloride residues during rinse programs, leading to corrosion and inefficiencies, particularly due to complex structures and additional line paths required for fresh water introduction.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design where fresh water is introduced suction-side into the circulation pump, allowing for pump-operated flushing of the alkaline and chloride paths, reducing machine-side complexity and enhancing cleaning efficiency by direct fresh water circulation and displacement of residual liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fresh water is introduced into the dishwasher to flush residual alkaline and chloride residues, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional line paths and valves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fresh water introduction function with the existing circulation pump system. The fresh water inlet is integrated into the circulation pump's suction side, merging two functions (fresh water introduction and circulation) into a single integrated component, thereby avoiding additional line paths and valves while achieving effective flushing of residual residues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If additional line paths and valves are added for fresh water introduction, then flushing capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflushing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fresh water inlet is integrated into the circulation pump housing, merging the fresh water introduction function with the existing pump structure. This eliminates the need for separate line paths and valves, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective flushing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation pump is designed to serve dual functions: its original role in circulating washing liquor and its new role in introducing fresh water for flushing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and lowers manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If residual alkaline and chloride residues remain in the pump housings and collecting pot, then corrosion occurs, but complete removal requires complex purging systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidpurging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary flushing by introducing fresh water into the circulation pump before the main washing cycle begins. This preliminary action removes residual alkaline and chloride residues from the pump housings and collecting pot, preventing corrosion without requiring complex purging systems during or after the washing cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively flushes out residual alkaline and chloride residues, simplifies the dishwasher structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves cleaning results by minimizing unwanted residue carryover in subsequent rinse programs.

Implementation Method 1

die Umwälzpumpe die Frischwasserförderung in den Spülbehälter vor sich bringt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation:

Implementation Method 2

entsprechende Sprüheinrichtungen derart mit Frischwasser beschickt und das Frischwasser in den Spülraum abgegeben, dass eine Verdrängung von restlichen Spülflotten in dem Spülraum stattfindet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid displacement:

Implementation Method 3

die Ablaufpumpe zeitweise mit der Umwälzpumpe betrieben wird, sodass in dem Sammeltopf anfallendes Gemischwasser aus Frisch- und Restwasser abgepumpt wird

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3473155B1Dishwasher
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3473155B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3473155B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3473155B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, comprising a wash chamber (4) for receiving items to be washed, a collection pot (10) into which the wash chamber (3) empties, a circulation pump (11) and a drain pump (12), each of which is fluidically connected to the collection pot (10), wherein the circulation pump (11) is connected to the collection pot (10) via a pipe stub (29) providing a suction port, and a fresh water inlet (20), wherein the fresh water inlet (20) is formed on the suction port side of the circulation pump (11).