Variable Filtration System for Dishwasher Soil-Level Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers have fixed filtration systems that do not adapt to varying soil levels during a cycle, leading to inefficient soil removal and cleaning performance, as they filter a constant amount of recirculating liquid regardless of the load's soiling condition.
Innovation Solution
A variable filtration system that allows the amount of wash liquid to be filtered to be adjusted based on cycle parameters and treatment conditions using a liquid diverter assembly, which controls the flow rate to either the spraying system or the filter, optimizing soil removal and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed filtration system is used to filter recirculating liquid, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the cleaning performance is insufficient for varying soil levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filtration system adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the amount of liquid directed through the filter based on detected soil levels and cycle phase. During high-soil phases, a larger portion of recirculating liquid is filtered; during low-soil phases, less liquid is filtered. This dynamic adjustment optimizes cleaning performance for varying soil conditions while managing system complexity through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable filtration system is implemented to adapt to varying soil levels, then the cleaning performance is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a sensor to detect soil levels in the recirculating liquid and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the diversion valve to change the amount of liquid filtered based on the detected soil level. This closed-loop feedback system enables the filtration system to automatically adapt to varying soil conditions, improving versatility while managing complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a diversion valve as an intermediary component to control the flow of recirculating liquid between the filter and the spray system. This intermediary device allows precise control over the amount of liquid directed through the filter without requiring complex reconfiguration of the filtration system itself. The valve acts as a mediator that translates controller commands into actual flow distribution, enabling variable filtration with manageable system complexity.
3Productivity
If constant filtration is applied throughout the cycle, then the system operation is simple, but energy and time are wasted during rinse phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by changing the filtration intensity based on the cycle phase and detected soil levels. During wash phases with high soil content, the system applies high filtration intensity. During rinse phases with low soil content, the system reduces or eliminates filtration. This periodic adjustment of filtration intensity matches the varying needs of different cycle phases, improving productivity while reducing energy waste during rinse phases when filtration is unnecessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the filtration parameter (amount of liquid filtered) based on cycle phase and soil level detection. The controller modifies the diversion valve position to change the filtration ratio from high during wash phases to low or zero during rinse phases. This parameter adjustment optimizes cycle efficiency by concentrating filtration efforts when soil removal is needed and eliminating filtration during rinse phases to conserve energy.
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 optimizes soil removal and cleaning performance by varying the filtration amount during different phases of the cycle, ensuring effective cleaning even with highly soiled loads and reducing unnecessary filtration during rinse phases.
Implementation Method 1
a filter for filtering the recirculated liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system for spraying liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system with a variable filtration system. Method of operating includes recirculating a liquid, supplying a first portion of the liquid through the spraying system, supplying a second portion of the liquid through the filter, and varying the amount of the second portion.