Axial Fluid Delivery Ring for Front-Load Washer Drum Lifters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front-load laundry appliances face challenges in efficiently delivering fluid to lifters within the drum, particularly in maintaining consistent fluid flow and minimizing wear on components during rotation, which affects washing efficiency and appliance longevity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system that includes a fluid delivery ring with an interior gasket that engages with the drum to form a sealed channel, utilizing back pressure to direct fluid to lifters, and a concentric fluid space between the tub and drum to ensure consistent fluid distribution, reducing wear and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is delivered to lifters through conventional means in front-load washing appliances, then fluid can be supplied to the drum, but fluid flow consistency and component wear are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into multiple independent components: a fluid delivery ring with multiple fluid channels, multiple lifters distributed around the drum, and a manifold with multiple outlets. This segmentation allows fluid to be delivered through multiple parallel paths, improving flow consistency and reducing the wear burden on any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery ring acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the lifters. It receives fluid through a fluid inlet, distributes it through multiple sealed fluid channels, and delivers it to multiple lifters. This intermediary structure ensures consistent fluid flow distribution and reduces direct stress on individual components.
2Productivity
If a fluid delivery system is implemented to improve washing efficiency, then fluid delivery to lifters is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fluid distribution manifold, provides sealing surfaces through engagement with the drum, supports multiple fluid channels for parallel delivery, and distributes fluid to multiple lifters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system merges the fluid distribution function with the structural support function. The fluid delivery ring is engaged with the drum and integrates multiple fluid channels and lifter connections into a single unified structure, reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fluid delivery methods are used, then the system structure is simpler, but fluid flow consistency to all lifters is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery ring provides different local qualities to different regions: each fluid channel is sealed against the drum surface at a specific location, and each lifter receives fluid through its own dedicated channel outlet. This localized fluid delivery ensures that each lifter receives consistent fluid flow appropriate to its position, improving overall fluid flow consistency.
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 ensures efficient fluid delivery to lifters, minimizing wear and tear on components, thereby improving washing efficiency and extending the appliance's lifespan by maintaining consistent fluid flow and reducing unnecessary stress on moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing back pressure to direct fluid to lifters
Data Source
AI summary
A front-load laundry appliance includes a drum that is rotationally operable within a tub about a generally horizontal rotational axis. A plurality of lifters are coupled to an interior surface of the drum. A fluid delivery path is at least partially defined within the drum and the plurality of lifters. A fluid delivery system delivers fluid into the fluid delivery path in a direction parallel to the generally horizontal rotational axis.