Dishwasher Pump Wire Passthrough Sealing to Prevent Wash Fluid Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing electrical connections in sump pumps of dishwashers to prevent wash fluid ingress is challenging, as the motor requires an electrical connection to drive the impeller, and conventional methods fail to effectively prevent fluid entry.
Innovation Solution
A pump housing assembly with a tube and grommet configuration that allows electrical wires to pass through while maintaining a sealed air chamber, preventing wash fluid from entering the pump housing by using a grommet that sealingly engages the tube and an air chamber to trap air, keeping the fluid out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical wires are passed through the pump housing to connect the motor, then the motor can drive the impeller, but wash fluid can enter the pump housing through the wire passage
Solution Approach 1:
A grommet is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrical wire and the pump housing. The grommet sealingly engages the wire while maintaining a fluid-tight barrier, allowing electrical connection while preventing wash fluid ingress through the wire passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet acts as a flexible sealing element that deforms to accommodate the electrical wire while maintaining a continuous barrier against wash fluid. This flexible membrane approach allows wire passage while preventing fluid entry.
2Device complexity
If conventional sealing methods are used for electrical connections, then the structure is simple, but they fail to effectively prevent fluid entry
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet serves as a specialized intermediary component designed specifically for sealing around electrical wires. This dedicated sealing element provides reliable fluid barrier functionality that conventional sealing methods cannot achieve, while adding minimal structural complexity.
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
Effectively prevents wash fluid from entering the pump housing, ensuring reliable operation and simplifying manufacturing, thus reducing costs and expanding supplier options.
Implementation Method 1
A grommet is positioned in the opening of the tube, and sealingly engages the tube of the first housing portion at the air chamber of the second housing portion. The electrical wire passes through the grommet.
Implementation Method 2
A cup of the second housing portion defines an air chamber. A tube extends from the first housing portion into the air chamber of the second housing portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber, and a pump assembly disposed in the wash chamber. The pump assembly includes a first housing portion mounted to a second housing portion to form a pump housing. A cup of the second housing portion defines an air chamber. A tube extends from the first housing portion into the air chamber of the second housing portion. The tube defines an opening. An electrical wire passes through the tube and into the pump housing. A grommet is positioned in the opening of the tube, and sealingly engages the tube of the first housing portion at the air chamber of the second housing portion. The electrical wire passes through the grommet. A pump is disposed within the pump housing. The pump is in fluid communication with the wash chamber.