Pump assembly with movable filter for washing machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The filters in recirculation circuits of household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers clog frequently during low-consumption wash cycles, requiring frequent maintenance and reducing the effectiveness of the recirculation process due to the inability to access and clean the filter from outside.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with a filter that can move between two positions, allowing fluid flow for filtration and cleaning, extending the filter's service life and maintaining the appliance's efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bulkhead filter is used on the intake side of the recirculation pump, then the filter can capture dirt suspended in the wash liquid flow, but the filter cannot be reached from the outside for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is made movable between a first position where it filters wash liquid and a second position where it is accessible for cleaning. The filter can be moved by user manipulation or automatically by an actuator, allowing it to transition between filtering operation and maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is divided into separate functional sections with the filter positioned on a movable component such as a crank or cam shaft. This segmentation allows the filter to be isolated on a specific component that can be independently positioned or accessed.
2Reliability
If the filter is positioned inside the pump body, then it can effectively filter the wash liquid, but frequent maintenance requires disassembly and counteracts the service life extension goal
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the fixed internal position and placed on a movable component that can be positioned externally or accessed through movable pump body sections. This allows the filter to be removed or cleaned without complete pump disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump body sections are made movable relative to each other, allowing the filter to be accessed by moving the pump body sections apart while keeping the filter in its operational position during filtering.
3Ease of operation
If a movable filter system is implemented, then the filter can be cleaned without disassembly, but the device complexity increases with additional moving parts and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is integrated with a movable component that performs dual functions: filtering during operation and enabling cleaning access during maintenance. The existing movable components (crank, cam shaft) that drive the pump mechanism are utilized to carry the filter, eliminating the need for separate dedicated moving mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable component carrying the filter serves multiple functions: it drives the pump mechanism, positions the filter for filtering, and enables filter access for cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated mechanisms.
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's ability to switch positions facilitates effective cleaning and maintenance, increasing its service life and the overall effectiveness of the recirculation process, ensuring longer appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
the filter is run through by a fluid flow directed towards a first side of the filter, thereby allowing said flow to be filtered; in the second position, the filter is run through by a fluid flow directed towards the opposite side of the filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pump assembly (1,1') for household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like, comprising a body (2, 2') fitted with fluid passage means (23, 24, 27) for letting a wash fluid flow therethrough, at least one pump (3,4,3',4') associated with the body for pumping the fluid, a filter (9, 9') for filtering the fluid flowing through the body (2, 2'); wherein the filter (9,9') is movable between a first position, in which a fluid flow runs through it towards a first side of the filter, and a second position, in which a fluid flow runs through it towards the opposite side of the filter; the pump assembly (1,1') comprising a linear actuator (6) which actuates the filter (9, 9') in order to move it between said first and second positions. According to the invention, said body (2, 2') includes a cavity open at the top and closed by a removable cover (7, 7'), on which the linear actuator (6, 6') is mounted.