Layered Pump Housing Heater for Space-Saving Fluid Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing appliances require separate heating devices for fluid heating, which increase costs and occupy valuable space, and integrating heating components into the fluid circulation system complicates manufacturing and costs.
Innovation Solution
A layered heating assembly is embedded within the fluid circulation component, comprising a heat insulating layer, a heat conducting layer, electrically insulating layers, and a resistive heating layer, allowing for efficient heat transfer to the fluid without the need for separate heating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate heating devices are added along the circulation flow path, then fluid heating is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and valuable space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the pump housing, merging the heating function with the existing fluid circulation component. This eliminates the need for separate heating devices along the circulation path, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective fluid heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the pump mechanism and simultaneously acts as a heating element through the integrated heating element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the fluid circulation system
2Volume of stationary object
If heating components are integrated into the fluid circulation system, then space is saved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is built into the pump housing as an integral component rather than being a separate part requiring assembly and sealing. This merging of functions eliminates complex sealing requirements while achieving space-efficient integration of heating capability into the fluid circulation system
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is positioned to directly contact the fluid at the pump outlet, copying the optimal heating location from separate heating device configurations while integrating it into the pump structure itself, thereby simplifying manufacturing
3Ease of manufacture
If heating is performed within the fluid circulation component, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but heat insulation and heat transfer efficiency become critical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing incorporates localized thermal insulation at specific areas where heat loss occurs, while maintaining direct thermal contact between the heating element and the fluid flow path. This selective application of insulation properties optimizes heat transfer efficiency to the fluid while minimizing energy loss to the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system replaces complex mechanical sealing and insulation assemblies with a simplified integrated heating element that directly contacts the fluid. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective heat transfer through the fluid circulation path
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 layered heating assembly effectively increases the temperature of the fluid being transported, reducing manufacturing costs and space requirements while maintaining efficient heating performance.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive heating layer positioned between the first and second electrically insulating layers. Additionally, when current is directed through the resistive heating layer, heat may be generated that is transmitted through the layered heating assembly
Implementation Method 2
a heat conducting layer disposed radially inwardly from the heat insulating layer so as to form an outer wall of the passageway
Implementation Method 3
a heat insulating layer disposed directly on the inner surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid circulation component for a washing appliance may generally include a substrate defining a passageway therethrough for transporting fluid through the substrate. The fluid circulation component may also include a layered heating assembly formed directly onto an inner surface of the substrate. The layered heating assembly may include a heat insulating layer disposed directly on the inner surface, a heat conducting layer disposed radially inwardly from the heat insulating layer so as to form an outer wall of the passageway, first and second electrically insulating layers disposed between the heat insulating and conducting layers and a resistive heating layer positioned between the first and second electrically insulating layers. Additionally, when current is directed through the resistive heating layer, heat may be generated that is transmitted through the layered heating assembly to the heat conducting layer so as to increase a temperature of the fluid being transported through the passageway.