Rotating Dishwasher Filter With Shear Zones to Prevent Redeposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face challenges in effectively removing soil particles from recirculating wash fluid, leading to potential re-deposition on utensils and reduced cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rotating filter system with an upstream and downstream surface, combined with artificial boundaries that create increased shear force zones, enhances filtration by applying greater shear forces on the upstream surface, preventing soil particles from re-entering the fluid stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional filter is used in the dishwashing machine, then soil particles can be separated from wash fluid, but soil particles re-deposit on the filter and are re-deposited on utensils, reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed to rotate during the wash cycle, transforming from a static to a dynamic component. This rotation creates centrifugal forces that prevent soil particles from adhering to the filter surface, eliminating the re-deposition problem while maintaining filtration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter creates dynamic fluid motion and shear forces that continuously disrupt soil particle accumulation on the filter surface. This mechanical motion prevents static adhesion and ensures particles are washed away rather than re-deposited
2Reliability
If the filter rotates to prevent soil re-deposition, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration and circulation functions are merged into a single rotating filter assembly that performs both filtering and fluid circulation. This integration eliminates the need for separate pump and filter mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite the added rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters soil particles, circulates wash fluid through its rotation, prevents soil re-deposition through centrifugal action, and creates shear forces to wash the filter surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components
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 solution effectively filters soil particles from the wash fluid, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing maintenance needs by ensuring soil is not re-deposited on utensils, thus enhancing the overall performance of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating filter (130) having an upstream surface (146) and a downstream surface (148) and located within the chamber such that 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
a first artificial boundary (180) extending from the housing and into the chamber to overly at least a portion of the upstream surface to form an increased shear force zone between the first artificial boundary and the upstream surface
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, 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.