Pump assembly for a dishwashing appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwasher pumps are bulky, prone to leaks due to external positioning, and require complex seals and plumbing systems, with separate diverter devices that are inefficient and difficult to operate safely in a wet environment.
Innovation Solution
A compact pump assembly with an inner and outer diffuser shell forming a diffusing plenum, featuring guide vanes and a motor-driven impeller, positioned within the sump to efficiently distribute wash fluid, eliminating the need for external motors and complex plumbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump is positioned outside the wash chamber in horizontal orientation, then the pump can be easily accessed for maintenance, but seals are required to connect pump inlet and outlet to the wash chamber which increases the likelihood of leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly merges the pump motor and impeller into a single integrated unit positioned within the wash chamber, eliminating the need for external seals and connections. The pump inlet is positioned to receive fluid directly from the sump, and the outlet directs fluid to the spray assembly, creating a sealed internal system that prevents leaks while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the pump is positioned within the sump, then the pump can be compactly integrated into the wash chamber, but complex constructions are required to ensure safe operation of the electric motor in the wet environment
Solution Approach 1:
The pump motor is enclosed in a sealed motor housing that protects the electrical components from water exposure while allowing the pump to be positioned within the sump. The housing creates a barrier between the wet environment and the motor, enabling compact integration without complex protection constructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate diverter devices are used to control wash fluid flow, then flow direction can be controlled, but the diverter is bulky and requires additional complicated plumbing systems and dedicated external motors
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter function is merged with the pump assembly, with the diverter positioned within the pump housing and the impeller outlet directly connected to the diverter inlet. This integration eliminates the need for separate plumbing systems and external motors, as the pump motor drives both the pump impeller and the diverter mechanism through a shared drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly serves multiple functions: it pumps wash fluid from the sump, directs flow to the spray assembly, and controls fluid distribution patterns. The diverter and pump share a common motor and housing, allowing a single component to perform what would traditionally require separate devices.
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 solution provides a safe, efficient, and compact fluid distribution system that reduces leaks and operational complexity, ensuring reliable wash fluid circulation within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
A motor positioned within the motor housing rotates a wash pump impeller and urges a flow of wash fluid through the diffusing plenum
Implementation Method 2
Within the diffusing plenum, guide vanes extend between the inner diffuser shell and the outer diffuser shell to diffuse and direct the flow of wash fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly for a dishwashing appliance includes an inner diffuser shell defining a motor housing and an outer diffuser shell spaced apart from the inner diffuser shell to define a diffusing plenum. A motor positioned within the motor housing rotates a wash pump impeller and urges a flow of wash fluid through the diffusing plenum. Within the diffusing plenum, guide vanes extend between the inner diffuser shell and the outer diffuser shell to diffuse and direct the flow of wash fluid.