Rotary Filter Assembly for Cleaner Dishwasher Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face inefficiencies in filtering and recirculating wash fluid, leading to re-deposition of soil particles on utensils and increased maintenance due to inadequate filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotary filter with flow diverters within the recirculation pump assembly, which uses centrifugal force and flow diversion to separate and filter soil particles from wash fluid, ensuring clean fluid recirculation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter system is used in dishwashers, then the structure is simple, but filtration efficiency is insufficient leading to soil re-deposition on utensils
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system transitions from a static design to a dynamic rotating structure. The filter element rotates within the filter housing, creating varying flow paths and enhancing filtration efficiency through centrifugal forces generated during rotation, while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single rotating component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by incorporating a sump that collects wash fluid and uses the fluid's own flow and centrifugal forces during rotation to enhance particle separation. The hydrodynamic action of rotating fluid against the filter element improves filtration without requiring additional complex mechanical pumping or pressure systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration is insufficient, then device complexity remains low, but soil particles are re-deposited on utensils
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating filter element creates dynamic flow patterns that prevent soil particles from settling and re-depositing on utensils. The continuous rotation ensures that filtered fluid is consistently delivered to spray arms, maintaining high filtration efficiency and preventing harmful re-deposition throughout the wash cycle.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple filter system is used, then manufacturing is easier, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating filter system incorporates a sump and flow diversion mechanisms that enable self-cleaning functionality. Wash fluid circulation and centrifugal forces during rotation help prevent particle accumulation on the filter element, reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining a manufacturally simple design with common components.
4Reliability
If centrifugal force is used for separation, then filtration efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates centrifugal force through the rotation of the filter element itself, rather than requiring a separate centrifugal separation mechanism. This dynamic approach achieves effective particle separation through the rotating filter's interaction with wash fluid, maintaining structural simplicity while significantly improving filtration efficiency.
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
Enhances filtration efficiency, preventing soil re-deposition on utensils and reducing user maintenance by effectively filtering soil particles from the wash fluid during the dishwasher's operation.
Implementation Method 1
uses centrifugal force and flow diversion to separate and filter soil particles from wash fluid
Implementation Method 2
a rotating filter has an upstream surface and a downstream surface such that recirculating liquid passes through the rotating filter from the upstream surface to the downstream surface to effect a filtering of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system for spraying liquid within the washing chamber, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.