Rotating Dishwasher Filter Assembly With Backflow Debris Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in effectively filtering foreign objects and soils from recirculated liquid, leading to potential re-deposition on utensils and increased maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design incorporating a rotating filter system with a recirculation flow path and flow diverters that creates backflow zones to prevent foreign objects from entering the inlet, utilizing a combination of rotating pre-filter and disc-shaped filters to enhance filtration efficiency and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter system is used to remove soils from liquid, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but foreign objects may still enter the inlet opening and clog the system
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter creates a backflow zone that preliminarily prevents foreign objects from entering the inlet opening before they can reach the filter or pump. This preliminary protective action occurs upstream of the filtration system, blocking large debris before it can cause clogging or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter acts as an intermediary element between the recirculation flow path and the inlet opening. It mediates the flow of liquid while blocking foreign objects, allowing liquid to pass through to the filter while preventing solid debris from entering the pump inlet.
2Productivity
If a rotating filter system is used to filter liquid, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotating filter assembly with the pump housing, integrating multiple functions into a single unit. The filter is mounted on the pump shaft, allowing it to rotate with the pump impeller, thereby combining filtration and pumping functions in one integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter assembly serves multiple functions: it filters liquid during normal operation, self-cleans through backflow during reverse rotation, and can be easily removed for maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and simplifies the overall system.
3Device complexity
If the filter is stationary, then the structure is simpler, but soils accumulate on the filter surface and require manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed to rotate dynamically with the pump shaft rather than remaining stationary. During pump operation, the filter rotates to collect soils on its surface. During reverse rotation or backflow, the soils are automatically removed, eliminating the need for manual cleaning while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter system performs self-cleaning through the backflow mechanism. When liquid flows backward through the filter during certain operational phases, it automatically removes accumulated soils from the filter surface, allowing the system to maintain itself without external intervention.
4Reliability
If the filter rotates continuously, then self-cleaning is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter rotates periodically with the pump operation rather than continuously. During pump operation, the filter rotates to collect and then release soils in periodic cycles. During idle periods, the filter remains stationary, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining self-cleaning effectiveness.
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 system effectively filters soils from the liquid, reduces re-deposition on utensils, and minimizes user maintenance by ensuring continuous filter cleaning and improved performance throughout the dishwasher's life.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating filter having an upstream surface and a downstream surface and located within the interior relative to the recirculation flow path such that the recirculation flow path passes through the filter from the upstream surface to downstream surface to effect a filtering of the sprayed liquid
Implementation Method 2
a first flow diverter overlying at least a portion of the filter to form a backflow zone where the liquid flows from the downstream surface to the upstream surface, wherein the first flow diverter is located such that the backflow zone is positioned relative to the inlet opening to retard entry of foreign objects in the liquid into the inlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system supplying a spray of liquid to the washing chamber, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.