Pump Filter Dual-Lock Design to Prevent Unintentional Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional household appliance pumps with pump filters lack a mechanism to prevent unintentional release of the filter cover, which can lead to accidental opening and potential scalding from hot liquids during maintenance or cleaning, especially when dealing with high-temperature washing liquids.
Innovation Solution
The pump filter design incorporates a first positive connection, such as a latching connection, and a second non-positive connection, like a screw connection, requiring two separate and independent steps for release, ensuring the filter cover cannot be unintentionally opened, thus preventing unintended liquid escape and enhancing user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single connection mechanism is used for the filter cover, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of unintentional release
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into two independent segments: a positive-locking connection (latching mechanism) and a friction-locking connection (threaded screw connection). Each segment performs a specific function - the positive-locking connection provides immediate secure attachment, while the friction-locking connection provides gradual tightening and sealing. This segmentation allows the filter cover to be both easy to operate (simple attachment) and reliable (unintentional release prevented)
2Reliability
If a positive-locking connection is used, then the reliability is improved by preventing unintentional release, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different connection principles (positive-locking latching mechanism and friction-locking threaded connection) into a single integrated filter cover assembly. The latching mechanism provides immediate secure attachment preventing unintentional release, while the threaded screw connection provides gradual tightening and sealing. By combining these mechanisms in one component, the patent achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If a friction-locking connection is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential unintentional release
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two functional parts: the friction-locking threaded connection handles ease of operation (simple screwing and unscrewing motions), while the positive-locking latching mechanism handles reliability (preventing unintentional release). The latching mechanism engages first to secure the filter cover, then the threaded connection is tightened to seal. This segmentation allows each mechanism to optimize for its specific function
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
This dual-connection mechanism ensures safe operation by requiring deliberate and sequential actions to open the filter, reducing the risk of scalding and maintaining a fluid-tight seal until intended release, thereby enhancing user safety and simplifying the design by eliminating concerns about leakage volume flow.
Implementation Method 1
the filter cover is attached to the pump housing in the closed position by a first positive-locking connection
Implementation Method 2
the filter cover is attached to the pump housing in the closed position by a second friction-locking connection
Implementation Method 3
the pump comprises a pump filter with a filter element for filtering impurities from the liquid
Implementation Method 4
the household appliance comprises a pump for pumping liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance (100) comprising a pump (105) for pumping a liquid, said pump (105) comprising a pump housing (111) and the pump (105) comprises a suction chamber (107) which comprises a suction nozzle (109) for fluidically connecting to a suction line. The pump (105) comprises a pump filter (115) with a filter insert for filtering contaminants from the liquid, the suction chamber (107) comprises a filter feed opening (113) for introducing the pump filter (115) into the suction chamber (107), and the pump filter (115) comprises a filter cover (117) which is designed to lock in a fluid-tight manner the filter feed opening (113) in a locked position and to release in a release position. The filter cover (117) is secured in the locked position by a first interlocking connection (125) on the pump housing (111). The filter cover (117) is secured in the locked position by a second frictional connection (133) on the pump housing (111). The first interlocking connection (125) and the second frictional connection (133) must be unlocked in order to move the filter cover (117) from the locked position into the released position and to release the filter feed opening (113).