Bidirectional Drain Pump for Laundry Recirculation and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry care devices with pumping systems lack a directional-dependent pumping function, leading to inefficient pumping processes and increased costs due to the need for separate pumps for different directions of rotation.
Innovation Solution
A lye pump system with a suction chamber, pressure chamber, and impeller that can rotate in both directions, utilizing a tangential connection to the pressure chamber to pump wash hydroxide effectively in both directions, combining pumping and plumping functions in a single component based on rotary direction, and incorporating a partition for separation and optimized nozzle designs for efficient air and liquid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both transfer and drain functions, then device complexity is reduced and cost is decreased, but the pump must be capable of directional-dependent pumping which increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed with a universal impeller that can pump washing solution in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, allowing a single pump to perform both transfer and drain functions. The impeller geometry and tangential nozzle arrangement enable the pump to adapt its pumping direction based on rotation direction, eliminating the need for separate pumps for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system dynamically adapts its pumping direction by controlling the rotation direction of the impeller. The motor can reversibly rotate the impeller clockwise for transfer function and counterclockwise for drain function, allowing the same physical pump components to serve different purposes based on operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the impeller rotates in preferred direction for transfer pumping, then washing solution is effectively pumped into the tub, but the same pump must also be able to pump out through discharge port in opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The pump design incorporates asymmetric tangential nozzles positioned at specific angles relative to the impeller rotation. The transfer nozzle and discharge nozzle are arranged asymmetrically so that when the impeller rotates in one direction, flow is directed through the transfer nozzle, and when rotated in the opposite direction, flow is directed through the discharge nozzle. This asymmetric geometry enables directional-dependent pumping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pump housing contain different nozzle arrangements optimized for specific functions. The transfer nozzle is positioned and sized for efficient pumping into the tub during clockwise rotation, while the discharge nozzle is positioned and sized for efficient drainage during counterclockwise rotation. Each nozzle region has localized geometric properties optimized for its specific pumping direction and function.
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 enables effective pumping in both directions without additional components, reduces costs by using a single engine, and allows for the reuse of wash water, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the laundry care process.
Implementation Method 1
a radial centrifugal pump that can be driven clockwise and counterclockwise
Implementation Method 2
The drawn-in washing solution is discharged at increased pressure to the pressure chamber of the drain pump. The washing solution moves in a circular motion within the pressure chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry-care appliance (100) with a recirculation system (105), the recirculation system (105) comprising a tub (109) with an inlet opening (111) and an outlet opening (113), comprising a line (115), which connects the inlet opening (111) and outlet opening (113), and comprising a detergent-solution pump (117), intended for pumping detergent solution through the recirculation system (105) and having a suction connector (131), having a pressure chamber (127), which has a recirculation connector (133) and a drainage connector (135), and having an impeller (129). The detergent-solution pump (117) is designed to pump the detergent solution, in a timed, preferred direction of rotation (145) of the impeller (129), through the recirculation connector (133) to the tub (109) and to drain the detergent solution, in a drainage direction of rotation (147) of the impeller (129), through the drainage connector (135), wherein the drainage connector (135) and the recirculation connector (133) adjoin the pressure chamber (127) tangentially.