Drain-Side Wash Water Circulation for Detergent Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in efficiently increasing detergent concentration and atomizing wash water, leading to suboptimal washing performance due to issues with detergent melting time and nozzle blockages from foreign materials.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine configuration that includes a drain-side circulation passage for generating high-concentration wash water by reusing remnant detergent, forming an eddy current, and using a second nozzle to atomize wash water with raw water of high pressure, eliminating the need for a small nozzle cross-section and additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the spray opening cross section of the nozzle is reduced to increase spray pressure and atomize wash water, then the atomization effect is improved, but the nozzle is blocked by foreign materials or detergent mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing machine's water circulation system into two separate circulation paths: a drum-side circulation passage for general washing water circulation, and a drain-side circulation passage for concentrated detergent solution circulation. This segmentation allows the spray nozzle in the drain-side system to handle only clean, concentrated detergent solution without foreign materials, preventing blockages while maintaining small spray opening cross-section for effective atomization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detergent concentration function from the general washing water circulation system and creates a separate drain-side circulation system dedicated to detergent solution preparation. This separation removes foreign materials and undissolved detergent from the concentrated detergent solution before it reaches the spray nozzle, enabling reliable atomization without blockage.
2Quantity of substance
If more detergent is put into the water to increase detergent concentration, then the washing effect is improved, but the detergent melting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by circulating wash water through the drain-side circulation passage before the main washing process begins. The pump circulates water through the circulation passage to dissolve detergent in advance, and the heater pre-heats the water to accelerate dissolution. This preliminary detergent dissolution and water heating occurs before the spray nozzle is activated, ensuring concentrated detergent solution is ready without extending overall washing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the wash water in the drain-side circulation system by using a heater to increase water temperature, which accelerates detergent dissolution. The changed temperature parameter enables faster and more complete detergent melting, achieving high concentration without prolonged melting time.
3Shape
If a vibrator or additional device is used to atomize wash water without increasing spray pressure, then the atomization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by increasing spray pressure through the pump system in the drain-side circulation passage to achieve atomization. The pump generates sufficient pressure to force water through the small spray opening cross-section of the nozzle, creating fine droplets without requiring vibrators or additional atomization devices. This hydraulic approach maintains simple system structure while achieving effective atomization.
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 configuration reduces detergent usage, enhances solubility, and improves washing efficiency by evenly spraying high-concentration wash water onto clothes, increasing the washing effect while maintaining a simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to circulate the wash water drained out of the drain chamber, and a drain-side circulation passage forming a path in which the wash water circulates between the drain chamber and the pump
Implementation Method 2
a spray means disposed in the drain chamber to spray the wash water flowed through the first passage into the drain chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a tub which is accommodated in said cabinet, and accommodates wash water therein; a drum which is installed in said tub to be rotated, an accommodates the laundry; a sump which is equipped on the lower part of said tub such that the wash water is collected; a drain chamber which is connected to the lower part of a drain formed on a bottom surface of said sump, and in which the wash water drained from said drain is temporarily stored; a pump which circulates the wash water drained from said drain chamber; and a drain-side circulation flow path which forms a path in which the wash water circulates between said drain chamber and said pump.