Rotating filter for a dishwasher and methods of cleaning a rotating filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwasher filter cleaning methods are inefficient in removing soil particles and maintaining filter performance over time, leading to reduced dishwasher effectiveness and increased user maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a rotating filter with two spaced filter elements and a granular agent introduced into the liquid circuit to scour the filter, ensuring effective cleaning and maintenance of the filter during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional filter cleaning methods are used, then the filter cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning efficiency is low and soil particles are not effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cleaning efficiencyVSAvoidfilter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is configured to rotate during the cleaning cycle, transforming a static filtration system into a dynamic one. This rotation enables the filter to be thoroughly cleaned by granular material circulated through the sump, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of a single rotating assembly mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Granular material is introduced as an intermediary cleaning agent that circulates between the sump and the filter assembly. This granular material effectively removes soil particles from the filter elements and recesses, achieving high cleaning efficiency without requiring complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms within the filter itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the filter is cleaned frequently to maintain performance, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but user maintenance time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter performance consistencyVSAvoiduser maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system performs automatic filter cleaning during its operational cycles, eliminating the need for separate manual maintenance interventions. The rotating filter assembly and granular material circulation system work together to self-clean the filter, maintaining consistent filtration performance while requiring zero additional user time or effort beyond normal dishwasher operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleaning process is integrated into the continuous operation of the dishwasher, occurring automatically during each wash cycle. This continuous cleaning action ensures consistent filter performance without requiring periodic user intervention, as the cleaning function is seamlessly incorporated into the appliance's regular operational routine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If a single filter element is used, then the device complexity is low, but the filtration coverage and cleaning effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration coverageVSAvoidnumber of filter elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is divided into multiple discrete filter elements (first, second, and third filter elements) positioned at different locations within the sump. This segmentation provides comprehensive filtration coverage across the entire liquid flow path while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, replaceable elements that can be individually cleaned and maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple filter elements are combined within a single rotating assembly that is collectively cleaned by the granular material circulation system. This merging approach achieves comprehensive filtration coverage through multiple elements while avoiding the complexity of individually cleaning each element, as the rotation and granular flow clean all elements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach enhances filtration efficiency by preventing soil re-deposition on dishes and extends the life of the dishwasher by regularly cleaning the rotating filter, reducing the need for frequent user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

introducing a granular agent into the liquid circuit during the passing of the liquid and the rotating of the filter such that the granular agent becomes entrained within the passing liquid and contacts the rotating filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntrainment: Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

scouring the rotating filter by introducing a granular agent into the liquid circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

liquid flows through the rotating filter to effect a filtering of the liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9757008B2Rotating filter for a dishwasher and methods of cleaning a rotating filter

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation circuit, and a liquid filtering system where the liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter and where a granular agent contacts the rotating filter to clean the filter. Methods of cleaning a rotating filter provided within a liquid flow by scouring the filter with a granular agent.