Dishwasher Water Tank Overflow Control for Grease Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with a washing and/or rinsing water tank face issues with continuous water circulation, leading to overflow and the reintroduction of particles and grease into the water tank, causing inefficiencies in water reuse and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a water recovery pump to fill the tank in stages, stopping to allow grease particles to rise and then overflow, and evacuating them, along with a control unit to manage the process, preventing the return of grease to the sump and reducing water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is continuously circulated from the washing tank to the water tank and back, then water reuse is enabled, but grease and particles are reintroduced into the water tank causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The water filling process is divided into multiple stages: initial filling phase, intermediate stopping phase for grease separation, and final overflow phase. This segmentation allows grease particles to separate and rise during the stopping phase, preventing their reintroduction into the washing tank during subsequent circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary grease separation by allowing the water tank to overflow during the filling process. This preliminary action removes grease particles before the water is circulated back to the washing tank, preventing contamination in advance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the water tank is filled beyond maximum level to enable overflow, then grease particles are removed, but water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system intentionally allows partial overflow beyond the maximum water level during the filling process. This excessive action is controlled and temporary, occurring only during specific phases to achieve grease removal, while minimizing overall water waste through precise control of the filling and stopping cycles.
3Productivity
If continuous circulation is maintained, then water reuse efficiency is high, but grease particles remain dispersed in the water
Solution Approach 1:
The water circulation system operates periodically with alternating phases of filling, stopping for grease separation, and overflow. This periodic action creates cycles where grease particles have time to separate and rise during stopping phases, while water circulation occurs during filling phases, achieving both productivity and contamination control.
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 method effectively recovers and removes grease from the washing and rinsing water, reducing contamination and improving water reuse efficiency in washing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a water recovery pump (8) put into operation to fill with washing and/or rinsing water at least one internal water storage compartment (11, 16) of the water tank (5)
Implementation Method 2
the grease particles present in the washing and/or rinsing water rise to the surface of the quantity of water stored in the water tank during the step of stopping the filling with washing and/or rinsing water of the water tank (5)
Implementation Method 3
an overflow opening (12) arranged in the upper part so as to evacuate excess water by overflow introduced into the water tank towards the washing tank
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a washing machine (1) in operation comprising a step of filling a water tank (5) with washing and/or rinsing water. Said water filling step comprises: a first step of supplying washing and/or rinsing water to said water tank (5) by operating a water recovery pump (8); a step of stopping the filling with washing and/or rinsing water of said water tank (5) for a predetermined period; and a second step of supplying washing and/or rinsing water to said water tank (5), by operating said pump (8), up to a water level in said tank of water (5) exceeding the maximum permissible water level in said water tank (5) so as to discharge washing and/or rinsing water by overflowing into a sump of a washing tank (2) . Use in particular in a dishwashing machine.