Rotating Dishwasher Filter With Diverter Gap for Soil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in filtering liquids recirculated during the washing cycle, leading to re-deposition of soils on dishes and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A rotating filter system is integrated within the dishwasher's recirculation circuit, featuring a screen with openings and a diverter mechanism that creates a gap to enhance filtration, allowing liquids to pass through while rotating, and a biasing device to maintain contact between filter and diverter surfaces, ensuring effective separation of soils from the wash liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter system is used in a dishwasher, then the structure is simple, but the filtration effectiveness is insufficient leading to re-deposition of soils on dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed to rotate during the wash cycle, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure. This rotation creates centrifugal force that enhances filtration effectiveness by preventing soil re-deposition on dishes while maintaining a relatively simple overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is divided into multiple functional segments including a rotating filter element, a diverter component, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall filtration effectiveness without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
2Reliability
If a rotating filter with diverter mechanism is implemented, then filtration effectiveness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to gap tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing device (such as a spring) is incorporated to automatically maintain the appropriate gap between the diverter and the rotating filter. This self-adjusting mechanism compensates for manufacturing variations and wear over time, reducing the stringency of initial manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the diverter and filter is designed as a variable parameter rather than a fixed dimension. The biasing device allows this gap to dynamically adjust based on operating conditions, which relaxes manufacturing tolerance requirements compared to a rigid fixed-gap design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the diverter is fixed relative to the filter, then manufacturing is easier, but filtration performance decreases due to soil re-deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter is designed with relative motion capability with respect to the rotating filter, allowing it to dynamically respond to the filtration process. This dynamic configuration prevents soil re-deposition by actively managing the liquid flow path, improving filtration performance while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through standardized bearing and mounting 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 configuration effectively filters soils from the liquid, preventing re-deposition on dishes and reducing maintenance requirements by ensuring continuous cleaning performance throughout the dishwasher's life.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating filter located within the circulation circuit such that the circulated liquid passes through the filter from an upstream surface to a downstream surface
Implementation Method 2
a biasing device relatively biasing the rotating filter and the first diverter such that the filter bearing surface and the diverter bearing surface contact
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.