A filter assembly having improved filtering mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine impeller blockages due to foreign articles, particularly elongated items, lead to malfunction and reduced appliance lifespan, as existing filter designs fail to effectively prevent these articles from reaching the impeller.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a casing housing a filter featuring a rod, plate, and wing configuration, where the wing's dimensions and angles prevent elongated articles from passing, combined with a cylindrical wall and spirally extending support ribs to enhance fluid flow and structural support, ensuring that foreign articles are blocked from reaching the impeller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple filter design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filter fails to prevent elongated articles from reaching the impeller
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a cylindrical wall for basic filtration, a plate with opening for fluid passage, and a wing element for blocking elongated articles. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to prevent impeller blockage while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing element is designed with asymmetric geometry where the second length (y) extending from the axis is greater than the first length (x) of the opening. This asymmetric configuration creates an angular relationship (α > β + 5 degrees) that specifically targets and blocks elongated articles while allowing fluid passage, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Productivity
If the opening size is increased to facilitate fluid flow, then the fluid flow rate is improved, but elongated articles can pass through and block the impeller
Solution Approach 1:
The wing element acts as an intermediary between the opening and the impeller. It is positioned to extend beyond the opening dimensions (second length y > first length x) and projects along the axis to completely overlap and cover the opening. This intermediary structure allows fluid to pass through the opening while blocking elongated articles before they can reach the impeller, thus maintaining both high fluid flow rate and reliability.
3Reliability
If the wing dimensions are increased to block elongated articles, then the prevention of impeller blockage is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing element is designed with local quality optimization where only specific dimensions are increased (second length y > first length x) to achieve the blocking function. The angular configuration (α > β + 5 degrees) is precisely tailored to target elongated articles. This localized enhancement of specific geometric parameters provides effective impeller protection without requiring a complete redesign of the entire filter structure, thus limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
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
The filter assembly effectively prevents elongated articles from reaching the impeller, thereby extending the lifespan of the impeller and the washing machine by ensuring efficient fluid flow and structural integrity, reducing the risk of malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
The support rib extends spirally around the rod and along the axis (I). The helps create a vortex which helps increase the suction of fluid along the filter assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter assembly (1), comprising; a filter (2) having a rod (3) extending along an axis (I) with a plate (4) disposed at one end thereof; the plate (4) comprising an opening (5) for facilitating the passage of fluid; a wing (6) disposed on the filter (2); wherein the difference of the distance between a nearest and a furthest point of the opening (5) and that of the wing (6) from the axis (I) is a first length (x) and a second length (y) respectively; wherein the second length (y) is greater than the first length (x) and wherein the projection of the wing (6) along the axis (I) is configured to surround that of the opening (5).