Dishwasher and sump assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in filtering and recirculating water due to clogged filters and low water levels, which hinder the effective removal of soils and reduce pump stability during wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
The dishwasher incorporates a filter assembly with a nozzle to break up large food particles, an insert sleeve to raise the liquid level in the sump, and a regulated vent for the drain pump, ensuring continuous fluid flow and efficient operation even at low water levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is provided in the sump to filter particulates from the liquid, then the liquid can be filtered before recirculation, but the filter assembly can become clogged and cause inefficient filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic element (large food particles) before they can clog the filter assembly. By providing a pre-filtering mechanism that removes large particles and directs them to the garbage disposal, the system prevents filter clogging while maintaining continuous recirculation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing the liquid flow to break up large food particles before they reach the filter assembly. This preliminary breakdown action prevents the filter from becoming clogged, ensuring both filtering reliability and recirculation productivity are maintained.
2Productivity
If the pump assembly is positioned below the sump to enable gravity-fed liquid flow, then the pump can effectively recirculate liquid, but the liquid level in the sump may become too low for stable pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the insert sleeve with displacement body) between the sump environment and the pump assembly. This displacement body acts as a mediator that modifies the liquid level conditions, providing sufficient liquid head for stable pump operation while maintaining the pump's below-sump position for effective recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of liquid level in the sump by introducing a displacement body that occupies volume and raises the liquid level. This parameter change ensures adequate liquid head for pump stability without requiring the pump to be repositioned, maintaining recirculation productivity.
3Loss of energy
If water is conserved by using low water levels in the sump, then energy consumption is reduced, but pump stability and filtering efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insert sleeve with displacement body serves as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between total water volume and liquid level height. It allows the system to maintain a high liquid level (for pump stability) with a low total water volume (for energy conservation), effectively mediating between these conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density distribution and volume utilization parameters by introducing a displacement body. This allows the system to achieve adequate liquid head for pump stability without increasing the total water volume, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while improving pump reliability.
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
These features enhance the filtering efficiency, maintain pump stability, and ensure effective recirculation and drainage, improving overall wash performance while conserving water and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The filter assembly includes a nozzle configured to spray liquid into a filter cup
Implementation Method 2
an insert sleeve at least partially located within the filter assembly and wherein a portion of the insert sleeve forms a displacement body within the filter to raise the level of liquid within the sump
Implementation Method 3
a pump, a conduit fluidly coupling the sump to the pump and the pump to the at least one sprayer, thereby defining a recirculation circuit through which the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber collects in the sump and is pumped back to the at least one sprayer
Implementation Method 4
The pump assembly must be below the sump so that wash liquid in the sump can be gravity-fed into the pump assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, a sump fluidly coupled to the treating chamber, at least one sprayer emitting liquid into the treating chamber, a pump, a conduit fluidly coupling the sump to the pump and the pump to the at least one sprayer, thereby defining a recirculation circuit through which the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber collects in the sump and is pumped back to the at least one sprayer, a filter assembly provided in the sump and having a filter through which at least a portion of the liquid passes, and an insert sleeve at least partially located within the filter assembly.