Control method of a water-saving washing machine and washing machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines waste water resources and suffer from poor reliability due to water leakage and dirt accumulation between the inner and outer tubs, leading to reduced washing capacity and increased risk of bacterial cross-infection.

Innovation Solution

A control method for a water-saving washing machine that uses a locking mechanism and drainage control mechanism to prevent water from accumulating between the inner and outer tubs, ensuring water is only present in the inner tub during washing and is efficiently drained and dewatered, utilizing a locking rod and position switch for accurate locking and unlocking, and a valve plug for drainage control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the inner tub communicates with the outer tub through water through holes, then water can fill the area between inner and outer tubs, but water resources are wasted and detergent concentration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater volumeVSAvoidwater waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the communication function between inner and outer tubs by eliminating water through holes. The inner tub is designed as a sealed structure that does not communicate with the outer tub, extracting the water-filled space between tubs from the system to eliminate water waste and maintain detergent concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine is segmented into two independent water systems: one inside the inner tub for washing and one in the outer tub for containment. The inner tub is supported by suspenders to create physical separation, preventing water mixing and ensuring water used in washing remains concentrated and effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If water flows frequently between inner and outer tubs, then water can be supplied for washing, but dirt and bacteria accumulate between the tubs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the water flow path between inner and outer tubs by eliminating communication holes. This extraction prevents dirt, bacteria, and scale from accumulating in the space between tubs, as water no longer circulates through this area, thereby eliminating the harmful accumulation effect while maintaining washing functionality within the inner tub.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a sealing device is arranged between inner and outer tubs, then water leakage can be prevented, but the sealing structure wears over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater leakage preventionVSAvoidsealing structure service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for sealing structures between inner and outer tubs by removing the water communication function. The inner tub is supported by suspenders that provide mechanical support without requiring seals, thereby preventing water leakage while eliminating the wear problem associated with sealing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the support function from the sealing function. Instead of using a sealed connection between tubs, the inner tub is suspended by mechanical suspenders that provide support without creating water-tight seals, thereby eliminating wear issues while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If water is present between inner and outer tubs, then the outer tub can contain water, but washing capacity is reduced and cross-infection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater containmentVSAvoidwashing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the water-containing function from the space between inner and outer tubs. The inner tub is designed as a sealed washing chamber that does not communicate with the outer tub, extracting the water-filled intermediate space to maximize washing capacity and prevent cross-infection while the outer tub serves only as a structural container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11060225B2Control method of a water-saving washing machine and washing machine
Publication Date: 2021.07.13 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
  • US11060225B2 patent drawing
  • US11060225B2 patent drawing
  • US11060225B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control method of a water-saving washing machine and washing machine, of which a locking hole and a drainage port are formed in a bottom of an inner tub, and a locking mechanism and a drainage control mechanism are arranged at the bottom of an outer tub, comprising: Step I: carrying out a washing/rinsing procedure, a master control board controlling the locking mechanism to couple with the locking hole to lock the inner tub, and the drainage control mechanism blocking off the drainage port, supplying water to the inner tub, starting washing; Step II: carrying out a drainage procedure, the master control board controlling the drainage control mechanism to open the drainage port, water in the inner tub being drained; Step III: carrying out a dewatering procedure, the master control board controlling the locking mechanism to release the inner tub to drive the inner barrel to rotate for dehydration.