Dishwasher Residue Comminution Using the Discharge Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers face issues with coarse rinse residue accumulating and clogging transport paths, leading to operational impairments and increased manufacturing costs due to separate motors driving comminution devices, which are often underutilized and inefficiently timed.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher with a comminution device driven by the lye or discharge pump, where comminution occurs during the washing liquid pumping cycle, utilizing rotating cutters and a matrix sieve to effectively comminute and flush out residue without additional motors, reducing clogging risks and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate motor drives the comminution device, then the comminution function is reliable and independent, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomminution function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the comminution device with the circulating pump by integrating the comminution mechanism into the pump's impeller assembly. The comminution function is achieved through cutting edges on the impeller blades that rotate with the pump, eliminating the need for a separate motor while reducing manufacturing costs and component complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the circulating pump drives the comminution device, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but comminution occurs during rinse cycle instead of during pumping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcomminution timing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic comminution system where the comminution action is triggered by the rotation of the circulating pump during the rinse cycle. The impeller blades with cutting edges rotate only when the pump is operating, allowing flexible timing control. The system dynamically adapts to different operational phases, comminuting residue during rinse cycles when the pump runs, and remaining inactive during pumping cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If comminution occurs during rinse cycle, then residue is processed continuously, but residue accumulates in uncomminuted form during pumping cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous comminution efficiencyVSAvoidtransport path clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic comminution action synchronized with the circulating pump's operational cycles. The comminution device activates periodically during rinse cycles when the pump operates, processing residue at these intervals. During pumping cycles, the device remains inactive, allowing a brief accumulation period before the next comminution phase, creating a rhythmic pattern of residue processing that balances continuous treatment with operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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 solution enhances operational safety and maintenance ease by ensuring effective comminution and flushing of residue, reducing the risk of filter blockages and lowering manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional motors and optimizing comminution timing.

Implementation Method 1

the comminution device is driven by the lye pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing rotating cutters and a matrix sieve to effectively comminute and flush out residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing rotating cutters and a matrix sieve to effectively comminute and flush out residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

a lye or discharge pump for pumping the washing liquid out of the dishwasher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS7497222B2Comminution device and method for comminuting residue in a dishwasher

Publication Date: 2009.03.03 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

A dishwashing machine including a comminution device and a method for comminuting residue in the dishwasher. The comminution device at minimal manufacturing costs, makes it possible to easily comminute the coarse contaminants or residue accumulating during the rinse cycle in the dishwashing machine, flush it out of the dishwasher and at the same time reduce the danger of clogging the sieve(s) placed in the dishwasher. The comminution device preferably is actuated by the lye pump of the dishwashing machine. In this manner the comminution device is actuated easily and efficiently, which both enables cost-effective manufacture of the dishwashing machine, and improves its operating safety and ease of maintenance. In the process the rinse residue can first collect during the rinse cycle in uncomminuted form on the floor of the rinsing container and only then be comminuted when the washing liquid is pumped out and flushed out of the dishwashing machine.