Auxiliary Washing Tub Drain Path for Pigment Transfer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with auxiliary washing tubs face issues of pigment transfer and contamination of laundry due to wash water from the auxiliary tub, as the water often drains into the main tub during washing operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a drain path system within the auxiliary washing tub that guides wash water outside the main tub, utilizing a drain path formed by the seating and cover portions, and a drain hole opening and closing mechanism that operates based on rotational speed to prevent water from entering the main tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wash water from the auxiliary washing tub is drained into the main washing tub, then the drainage system is simple, but pigment transfer and contamination of laundry occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into separate paths: one for draining wash water from the auxiliary washing tub to the outside of the main washing tub, and another for draining water from the main washing tub. This segmentation prevents contamination while maintaining simple drainage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (wash water from auxiliary tub) is extracted and directed to a separate drainage path that exits outside the main washing tub, preventing it from contacting and contaminating the laundry in the main tub.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a drain path is added to guide wash water outside the main tub, then pigment transfer is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain path structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it guides wash water from the auxiliary tub, provides structural support for the auxiliary tub, and directs water flow to the external drainage outlet, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain path structure serves multiple purposes: it acts as a drainage channel, a structural support element, and a flow director, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the auxiliary washing tub rotates at high speed, then washing efficiency is improved, but wash water may escape during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cover portion is designed to rotate with the auxiliary washing tub and dynamically guide wash water along its inner surface to the drain hole, adapting to rotational motion and preventing water escape while maintaining washing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cover portion acts as an intermediary between the washing space and the drain hole, guiding wash water along a controlled path and preventing direct escape during high-speed rotation.
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 prevents pigment transfer and contamination by ensuring wash water from the auxiliary tub is directed outside the main tub, enhancing laundry separation and efficiency while maintaining cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a drain path for guiding wash water of the second washing space to a space between the tub and the main washing tub
Implementation Method 2
When the auxiliary washing tub rotates at a predetermined rotational speed or above, wash water in the auxiliary washing tub is introduced into the first drain hole along the sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing machine capable of preventing laundry in a rotary tub from having pigment transfer or contamination due to wash water of an auxiliary washing tub. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub located in the cabinet and storing wash water therein, a main washing tub rotatably disposed in the tub and having a first washing space, and an auxiliary washing tub detachably mounted to the main washing tub and having a second washing space, wherein the auxiliary washing tub includes a drain path for guiding wash water of the second washing space to a space between the tub and the main washing tub.