Closed-Loop Water Softener Regeneration for Lower Water Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-softening devices for household washing machines require additional components and increased water consumption due to the need for a separate container to collect and discharge brine for regeneration, leading to higher production and assembly costs and inefficient water use.
Innovation Solution
A water-softening device that eliminates the need for a separate brine collection container by using a pump to draw brine directly from the first tank and recycle it in a closed loop through the two tanks and conduits, allowing regeneration to occur simultaneously with the washing cycle and reducing water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate container is used to collect and discharge brine for regeneration, then the regeneration process can be completed, but additional components are required leading to higher production and assembly costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brine collection function into the existing first tank (resin tank), eliminating the need for a separate brine collection container. The first tank serves dual purposes: containing water-softening substances during operation and collecting brine during regeneration, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The first tank is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains water-softening substances during the water softening phase, and subsequently collects and holds brine during the regeneration phase. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated brine collection infrastructure
2Loss of substance
If brine is discharged continuously to the outside, then regeneration can occur, but water consumption increases due to the need for additional water to form and discharge the brine
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding water from the first tank before regeneration, the patent recovers and utilizes this water to form the brine solution. The pump transfers water from the first tank to the second tank, where it mixes with salt to create brine, thereby recovering what would otherwise be wasted water
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal water resources to generate brine for regeneration. The water already present in the first tank serves as the base for brine formation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional external water supplies
3Productivity
If brine is formed and discharged in a linear flow, then regeneration occurs, but the process cannot occur simultaneously with the washing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the pump can selectively switch between operating modes: during the water softening phase, it maintains normal operation; during regeneration, it reverses flow to transfer water to the second tank for brine formation. This dynamic switching enables regeneration to occur concurrently with or between washing cycles without interrupting service
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 reduces water consumption and eliminates the need for additional components, enabling efficient and cost-effective regeneration of water-softening substances within the device, while allowing regeneration to occur concurrently with the washing cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a brine formed by the dissolution of the salt in water
Implementation Method 2
A one-way valve 16 is located in the conduit 14, allowing a flow from the second tank 12 towards the first tank 10 and not in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 3
the latter, which are typically ion exchange resins, are regenerated by the passage of the aforementioned brine
Data Source
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AI summary
The water-softening device comprises: a first tank (10) for containing substances with water-softening properties; a second salt-containing tank (12), having at least one water inlet opening; a first conduit (14) which connects the second tank (12) to the first tank (10), and through which there flows a brine formed as a result of the dissolution of the salt in the water and intended for the regeneration of the water-softening substances; a second conduit (18) which connects the first tank (10) and the second tank (12); and a pump (20) which is located in the first or second conduit (14, 18) and which can selectively create a flow of water in the second conduit (18) from the first tank (10) to the second tank (12).