Distribution strip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributor strips in dishwashers experience significant pressure losses due to individual ceramic filters at each connection point, leading to inadequate cleaning and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A common screen cylinder filter is used for all connection points, allowing for efficient filtration and self-cleaning through backwashing, eliminating the need for adapter elements and reducing pressure losses, while optimizing space and assembly processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual ceramic filters are provided at each connection point, then clogging of channels is avoided, but pressure loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging preventionVSAvoidwashing pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual ceramic filters at connection points are merged into a single common filter chamber that serves all connection points. This consolidation reduces the total number of filters from multiple individual units to one shared filter system, thereby reducing cumulative pressure loss while maintaining filtration function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common filter chamber serves multiple functions: it filters washing liquor for all connection points simultaneously, provides a backwashing mechanism for self-cleaning, and eliminates the need for separate adapter elements at each connection point. This multi-functional design resolves the pressure loss issue while maintaining reliable filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If individual filters are used at each connection point, then filtration is effective, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is merged from multiple separate components into one integrated common filter chamber. This single chamber replaces multiple individual filters and their associated adapter elements, significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter function is extracted from the connection points themselves and consolidated into a separate common filter chamber. This extraction eliminates the need for individual filters at each connection point and removes the requirement for complex adapter elements, simplifying both the filter system and connection point design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If individual ceramic filters are used, then filtration is provided, but maintenance effort and filter replacement frequency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidfilter maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system incorporates a backwashing mechanism that enables self-cleaning of the filter chamber. During normal operation, washing liquor flows through the filter and then back through it in reverse, automatically removing accumulated dirt and debris. This self-service cleaning function dramatically reduces maintenance effort and extends filter service life compared to static ceramic filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If adapter elements are used for filter arrangement, then filter installation is enabled, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter installationVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is extracted from the connection points and placed in a separate common filter chamber. This extraction eliminates the need for space-consuming adapter elements at each connection point, as the filters are consolidated into one centralized location that does not interfere with connection point accessibility or require additional adapter components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 ensures higher washing liquor pressure for improved cleaning, extended filter life, simplified maintenance, and increased capacity for connected items, with reduced need for frequent filter changes and space-efficient design.

Implementation Method 1

The washing liquor then flows radially through the screen cylinder wall, as a result of which the washing liquor is filtered.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the distributor pipe has a predetermined leakage, in particular at the distal end, i.e. on the distal end face or base of the distributor pipe, so that dirt particles stopped by the filter are continuously removed from the distributor pipe through the predetermined leakage during the normal rinsing process.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackwashing:

Data Source

PatentEP2896342B2Distribution strip
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2896342B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2896342B2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Distribution strip for arrangement on a washing liquid connection (15, 16) of a washing basket (10) of an automatic dishwashing machine, in particular an automatic cleaning and/or disinfecting machine, with a distribution pipe (2) providing a flow channel (6) and having a plurality of connection points (4) for fluidic connection of items to be cleaned to the flow channel (6), characterized by a filter common to all connection points (4), which is designed as a screen cylinder (7) and is arranged in the flow channel (6) provided by the distribution pipe (2).