Drum Spray Nozzle Direction Control for Faster Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines do not effectively improve washing performance by spraying washing water onto laundry, leading to suboptimal cleaning results.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design featuring a cabinet with a drum and a spray nozzle system that sprays washing water into the drum, with a direction changing unit that adjusts the spraying direction based on the drum's rotation, ensuring accurate and efficient water distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spray nozzle system is added to spray washing water into the drum, then washing performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray nozzle is integrated within the drum structure, with the spray nozzle disposed inside the cabinet to spray washing water into the drum. The spray nozzle system is nested within the existing drum and cabinet structure, avoiding additional external components and minimizing device complexity while improving washing performance through direct water spraying onto the laundry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spray nozzle system utilizes the existing washing water supply infrastructure of the washing machine, drawing water from the same source that supplies the drum. The system serves itself by using the machine's own water supply mechanism, eliminating the need for separate water delivery systems and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If washing water is sprayed rapidly onto laundry, then washing time is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spray nozzle operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, spraying washing water onto the laundry at intervals during the wash cycle. This periodic spraying action maintains effective washing performance and reduces wash time while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the spray system inactive during non-spraying periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts spray parameters such as spray duration, spray intensity, and spray frequency to optimize the balance between washing effectiveness and energy consumption. By dynamically changing these parameters based on wash cycle requirements, the system achieves rapid washing without excessive energy use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances washing performance by ensuring washing water is sprayed accurately and rapidly onto the laundry, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing washing time, while also providing user feedback on any misalignment between rotation and spraying directions.

Implementation Method 1

a spray nozzle disposed inside the cabinet to spray washing water into the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2584084B1Washing machine and washing method
Publication Date: 2014.12.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2584084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2584084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2584084B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a washing machine and washing method which improves washing performance by spraying water onto laundry. The washing machine comprises: a cabinet having an opening; a drum receiving laundry; and a spray nozzle disposed inside the cabinet to spray washing water into the drum.