Dishwasher Switchover Filter Layout for Compact Self-Cleaning Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in maintaining efficient filtration and reducing the risk of blockages in the drain pump and spray arms due to the accumulation of dirt particles, which requires a more effective filtration system that minimizes space and heat output while ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a switching element equipped with an additional filter, which is combined with the switchover element and designed for self-cleaning, reduces the number of filters needed, allowing for a smaller pump sump and improved filtration efficiency by using a microfilter with a smaller mesh size, positioned downstream to prevent clogging and facilitate the removal of filter residues through turbulence and gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter combination with multiple filters is provided in the area of the bottom of the washing container, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the overall space required increases and the pump sump must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switchover element and the additional filter into a single integrated component. The switchover element's housing serves as the container for the additional filter, merging two previously separate components (switchover element and filter) into one unified structure. This reduces the overall number of components and the space they occupy in the pump sump area.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchover element is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a switching mechanism for directing washing liquid to different spray arms and as a housing for the additional filter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing the overall space required in the pump sump while maintaining effective filtration.
2Reliability
If a microfilter with smaller mesh size is used, then particle retention is improved, but the risk of blockage increases and cleaning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The additional filter is designed to be self-cleaning through the action of turbulence in the flushing liquid flow. When the switchover element switches between spray arms, the resulting turbulence automatically removes filter residues from the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual cleaning intervention and maintaining the fine mesh structure's effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning occurs periodically through the turbulence generated during switchover operations. Each time the switchover element switches between directing washing liquid to different spray arms, it creates turbulent flow that flushes residues from the filter, providing regular self-cleaning without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms.
3Volume of stationary object
If the additional filter is arranged together with the switchover element, then the filter combination space is reduced, but the accessibility for assembly and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The additional filter is integrated into the housing of the switchover element, combining two components into one. This integration reduces the overall space occupied by the filter combination in the pump sump while maintaining the ability to access and service the filter through the switchover element's design.
4Loss of energy
If the pump sump is made smaller, then the amount of dead water is reduced, but the space for filter placement becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The switchover element and additional filter are merged into a single component, allowing the filter to be positioned within the switchover element's housing. This integration enables effective filtration in a compact arrangement that fits within a smaller pump sump, reducing dead water volume and the associated heat output requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is arranged in a different spatial configuration by integrating it into the switchover element's housing structure. This dimensional reorganization allows the filter to occupy space that would otherwise be unused or wasted in a traditional separate-filter arrangement, enabling compact pump sump design without compromising filtration capability.
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 configuration reduces the overall space required for filtration, decreases heat output, and ensures reliable operation by preventing blockages and allowing for easy maintenance, as filter residues are effectively removed and discharged, maintaining the dishwasher's performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a filter system is used which can include a coarse sieve, a fine sieve and a micro sieve. The coarse filter serves to hold back dirt particles... Particles with a particle size larger than approx. 1 mm are retained with a fine sieve and particles with a particle size larger than approx. 0.15 mm are retained with a micro sieve
Implementation Method 2
As a result of the turbulence in the flushing liquid flow that occurs when the switchover element is switched, filter residues can become detached from the filter surface of the additional filter
Implementation Method 3
filter residues are effectively removed and discharged, maintaining the dishwasher's performance and efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher comprising liquid lines (14, 15, 16) that guide the washing liquor towards spray devices (7, 9) arranged inside a washing receptacle (1), and a switch-over element (22) upon actuation of which the washing liquor can be guided to a first liquid line (15) leading to the first spray device (3), and/or to a second liquid line (16) leading to the second spray device (5). The dishwasher is characterized in that at least one supplementary filter (23) is associated with the switch-over element (22).