Washing Machine Lye Pump Filter Insert for Anti-Clog Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drain pump designs for washing machines suffer from reduced operating times due to clogging caused by threads and fluff, which are retained by ridges in the labyrinthine flow path of the filter insert, leading to frequent maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A drain pump with a filter insert composed of two separately formed labyrinth rings, where the inner ring is connected to the cover and the outer ring is detachably attached, forming a web-free annular gap and U-shaped channel to prevent clogging, ensuring a streamlined flow path for washing suds and effective foreign body separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a labyrinthine flow path with ridges is used in the filter insert, then foreign bodies are filtered out effectively, but threads and fluff deposit on the ridges causing complete clogging and significantly reduced operating times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter effectivenessVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter insert is divided into two separately formed labyrinth rings (inner and outer rings) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the rings to be removed and cleaned independently, preventing complete clogging and extending operating time while maintaining foreign body filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The labyrinth rings are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, allowing the filter insert to adapt its orientation. This dynamic capability enables easier cleaning access and prevents permanent clogging positions, thereby extending operating time while maintaining filtration reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If the filter insert is designed with a streamlined flow channel, then threads and fluff are less likely to deposit, but the foreign body retention capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoidforeign body retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter insert is divided into two separately formed labyrinth rings (inner and outer rings) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the rings to be removed and cleaned independently, preventing complete clogging and extending operating time while maintaining foreign body filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The labyrinth rings are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, allowing the filter insert to adapt its orientation. This dynamic capability enables easier cleaning access and prevents permanent clogging positions, thereby extending operating time while maintaining filtration reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the filter insert is accessible from the outside for cleaning, then maintenance is easier, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidfilter housing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter insert is divided into two separately formed labyrinth rings (inner and outer rings) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the rings to be removed and cleaned independently, preventing complete clogging and extending operating time while maintaining foreign body filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The labyrinth rings are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, allowing the filter insert to adapt its orientation. This dynamic capability enables easier cleaning access and prevents permanent clogging positions, thereby extending operating time while maintaining filtration reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design significantly extends the operating time of the drain pump by preventing clogging from threads and fluff, maintaining efficient operation without frequent maintenance, and ensuring effective circulation and separation of foreign bodies from washing suds.

Implementation Method 1

the labyrinth rings are each formed separately on the filter insert, so that there are no longer any webs in the flow channel area that can hold back threads or fluff in particular. Overall, the area of the filter housing that provides the function of the foreign body trap has a streamlined flow channel.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 2

a filter insert used in a filter housing, that provides the longest possible operating times without maintenance and in which blockages due to fluff are avoided as far as possible... for circulating and/or separating foreign bodies from the washing suds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2559802B1Lye pump with filter insert for a washing machine
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2559802B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2559802B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2559802B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drain pump (5) with a filter insert (6) for a washing machine (1) for circulating and/or separating foreign bodies from the washing suds, and the filter insert (6) arranged in a filter housing (7) being accessible from the outside of the Machine housing (2) is accessible for cleaning purposes, the filter insert (6) for retaining foreign bodies having a labyrinthine flow channel (19) in the filter housing (7). According to the invention, the filter insert (6) consists of two separately formed labyrinth rings (8) and (9), with a first inner labyrinth ring (8) being connected to the cover (10) of the filter insert (6), and with the second outer labyrinth ring (9 ) is attached to the first labyrinth ring (8) to form a streamlined flow around the filter insert (6) inserted in the filter housing (7) for fibers or fluff.