Series-Flow Filter Assembly to Protect Dishwasher Circulation Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher appliances face inefficiencies due to the need to accommodate larger particles that pass through course filters, leading to longer wash cycles and potential damage to circulation components, as existing filter assemblies do not effectively filter all wash fluid through a fine filter.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with multiple filter members configured in series flow, where wash fluid passes sequentially through each filter panel, ensuring all particles larger than a predetermined size are removed before recirculation, thereby preventing larger particles from reaching the circulation pump and allowing for smaller nozzles and conduits, reducing water usage and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a course filter and fine filter are configured in parallel flow, then larger particles can be accommodated, but the fine filter cannot filter all wash fluid efficiently leading to longer wash cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple filter members (first filter member with course filter, second filter member with fine filter, and optionally third filter member with extra fine filter) arranged in series flow configuration. Each filter member handles a specific size range of particles, with the wash fluid sequentially passing through progressively finer filters. This segmentation allows all wash fluid to be filtered through the fine filter in a single pass, improving productivity while maintaining pump protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a parallel flow configuration (where wash fluid splits into multiple paths) to a series flow configuration (where wash fluid flows sequentially through multiple filters in a single path). This dimensional change in the flow arrangement ensures that all wash fluid passes through the fine filter, achieving both efficient filtration and pump protection without extending wash cycle time.
2Productivity
If circulation components are sized to accommodate larger particles, then particle passage is enabled, but system efficiency decreases and water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The series flow filter assembly performs preliminary filtration of all wash fluid through progressively finer filters before the fluid reaches the circulation pump. By removing particles of various sizes in advance (particularly through the fine and extra fine filters), the circulation components can be designed with smaller dimensions optimized for efficiency, rather than being oversized to accommodate potential particle passage. This preliminary particle removal enables both improved system efficiency and reduced water consumption.
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 allows for all wash fluid to be filtered in a single-pass, reducing the need for larger circulation components, leading to more efficient operation, faster wash cycles, and reduced water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The second filter panel is spaced along the axial direction from the first filter panel and is configured in series flow with the first filter panel such that the wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to flowing to the circulation pump
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for filtering wash fluid to be recirculated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly includes a first filter member and a second filter member. The first filter member defines a first filter panel and the second filter member defines a second filter panel. The first filter panel is spaced from the second filter panel along an axial direction of the filter assembly and is configured in series flow with the second filter panel. More particularly, the first and second filter panels are configured such that wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to being recirculated by the circulation pump.