Rotating Dishwasher Filter for Self-Cleaning Soil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in effectively filtering and recirculating wash fluid while preventing foreign object damage to filters, leading to inefficiencies in soil removal and potential re-deposition on utensils.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design incorporating a rotating filter system with a first filter element more resistant to foreign object damage and a second filter element, coupled with a liquid recirculation system and spray arm, which uses centrifugal force and flow diverters to separate and clean the wash fluid, ensuring effective filtration and recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single filter element is used in the recirculation flow path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to vulnerability to foreign object damage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into two distinct filter elements: a first filter element positioned at the inlet of the recirculation pump and a second filter element positioned in the recirculation flow path. This segmentation allows each element to serve specific functions - the first element handles initial filtration and foreign object protection, while the second element provides additional filtration, thereby improving overall reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the filter is stationary, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the productivity decreases due to soil accumulation and re-deposition on utensils
Solution Approach 1:
The second filter element is designed to rotate within the recirculation flow path, transforming the filter from a stationary component to a dynamic one. This rotation prevents soil accumulation on the filter surface and eliminates re-deposition of filtered particles onto utensils, thereby maintaining washing efficiency and productivity throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter element is driven by the recirculation flow itself, which provides the rotational force needed to keep the filter surface clean. The system uses its own operating fluid to automatically clean the filter, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention.
3Productivity
If a rotating filter system is implemented, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating filter element is integrated with the existing recirculation pump system, merging the filtration function with the circulatory system. The filter rotates along with the fluid circulation, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high filtration efficiency.
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 enhances filtration efficiency, prevents soil re-deposition, and reduces maintenance needs by effectively cleaning the filter throughout the dishwasher's operation, improving overall performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the recirculation flow path passes through the filter from the upstream surface to the downstream surface to effect a filtering of the sprayed liquid
Implementation Method 2
the rotating filter is operably coupled to the impeller of the pump to effect rotation of the rotating filter
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system for spraying liquid into the washing chamber, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path from the washing chamber to the spraying system, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.