Rotatable Filter Cartridge for Pump Access and Anti-Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing filter cartridges in washing machines and dishwashers, particularly those used in low-consumption wash cycles, require frequent maintenance due to the accumulation of impurities, which can clog the recirculation pump and are difficult to clean as they are not easily accessible for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filter cartridge configuration using a flat filter element with a support structure that allows for easy access and maintenance, featuring a filtering mesh that can rotate between recirculation and drain positions to facilitate cleaning and prevent clogging, ensuring effective filtration and prolonged service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bulkhead filter is used on the intake side of the recirculation pump, then filtration is provided, but the filter requires frequent maintenance and is difficult to clean as it cannot be reached from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is made rotatable about the axis of the cartridge housing, transitioning from a fixed position to a movable one. This allows the filter to be rotated into alignment with the drain pump inlet for easy cleaning access, while returning to its filtering position during recirculation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge serves multiple functions: it filters wash liquid during recirculation when positioned in front of the recirculation pump inlet, and it enables easy cleaning when rotated to align with the drain pump inlet. The same structure performs both filtration and maintenance access functions.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is positioned to be easily accessible for maintenance, then cleaning is facilitated, but the filtration function during recirculation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element can dynamically change its angular position around the cartridge housing axis. During operation, it assumes a position optimized for filtration in front of the recirculation pump inlet. During maintenance, it rotates to align with the drain pump inlet for easy access, ensuring both functions are performed effectively at different times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cylindrical filter configuration is used, then the filter can support a movable filter element, but it is not suitable for a flat filter element
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is configured with a flat, substantially planar filtering surface that extends radially from the cartridge housing axis, rather than following a cylindrical shape. This flat configuration allows the filter to be rotated into the cleaning position while maintaining effective filtration surface area and geometry.
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 enables efficient filtration during recirculation cycles while allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning, preventing clogging and ensuring the effective operation of the recirculation process, even when the filter becomes clogged, thus extending the service life of the filter and maintaining appliance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a filter cartridge (110) comprising a filtering mesh (91)
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, wherein the filter (9') can be extracted from the body (2, 2') without requiring the removal of at least one pump (3, 4; 3', 4') associated therewith, wherein the filter (9, 9') is arranged in a cartridge (110) which can be extracted from the body (2, 2'). According to the invention, said cartridge (10) comprises a support structure (114) for the filter (9'), having a configuration which is substantially cylindrical and open at the sides.