Drum Washing Machine Water Spray and Drainage Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum-type washing machines face challenges in achieving high water and energy saving effects while maintaining effective spin-drying performance due to excessive water usage and poor drainage through small holes, leading to increased energy consumption and prolonged spin-drying times.
Innovation Solution
The drum-type washing machine incorporates a lifter with rear and front through holes, a water flow path formed by protruding ribs, and a control device for intermittent water spray and drainage, optimizing water usage and enhancing spin-drying efficiency by guiding water through strategically placed holes and ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of small holes are formed on the drum to enable drainage, then drainage performance is improved, but water cannot be discharged effectively through small holes alone
Solution Approach 1:
The drum surface is segmented into two distinct drainage systems: small holes distributed across the drum surface for initial water discharge, and large through-holes concentrated at the bottom for effective drainage. This segmentation allows each system to perform its specific function optimally - the small holes provide widespread coverage while the large bottom holes deliver the actual drainage power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional distribution of small holes across the drum surface to a three-dimensional drainage approach by adding large through-holes at the bottom dimension. This dimensional addition creates a hierarchical drainage structure where water flows from the drum interior through multiple pathways, significantly enhancing discharge effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If water is stored in the drum during washing, then washing performance is improved, but energy consumption increases due to rotational energy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine implements periodic action by alternately storing water in the drum during washing cycles to enhance washing performance, then rapidly discharging the water through the bottom holes during drainage cycles. This periodic storage and discharge pattern allows the system to achieve high washing performance when needed while minimizing energy consumption during drainage phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the stored water efficiently through the large bottom holes after it has served its washing purpose, and recovers the drainage function for repeated use. This discarding and recovering mechanism allows the same water to be used effectively for washing multiple times before final discharge, optimizing both washing performance and energy efficiency.
3Loss of substance
If a hole-less drum design is used to reduce water usage, then water-saving effect is improved, but spin-drying performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drum applies local quality by having different hole configurations in different regions: the majority of the drum surface remains hole-less to minimize water usage and maintain water-saving effects, while the bottom portion features large through-holes specifically positioned to enable effective spin-drying drainage. This localized differentiation allows the drum to achieve both water-saving and spin-drying performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention copies the essential drainage function from conventional hole-less drums by adding strategic bottom holes that replicate the drainage capability needed for spin-drying, while maintaining the overall hole-less structure that provides water-saving benefits. The bottom holes serve as a copied drainage mechanism that enables spin-drying without requiring a fully perforated drum.
4Manufacturing precision
If the drum rotates with water stored inside, then washing action is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by storing water in the drum during washing cycles to enhance washing action through water weight and movement, then rapidly discharging the water through bottom holes during drainage cycles. This periodic pattern allows the stationary drum structure to achieve enhanced washing action when water is present while minimizing energy consumption during drainage phases when water is removed.
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 design significantly reduces water consumption, improves washing performance, and enhances spin-drying efficiency, achieving high water and energy saving effects while maintaining effective drainage and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump configured to pump water stored in the water tub
Implementation Method 2
the drum is rotated while water is stored in the drum... energy to lift the water is required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a drum type washing machine capable of obtaining a high-water saving effect. The drum type washing machine comprises at least one processor configured to control a drive device configured to rotate a drum, a water supplier configured to supply water to a tub, and a sprinkler configured to spray water stored in the tub toward laundry accommodated in the drum. The drum comprises a lifter and a plurality of rear through-holes. The at least one processor is configured to perform a water spray process while rotating the drum in a state in which an amount of wash water absorable by the laundry is maintained in the tub, in a washing cycle. In the water spray process, a waiting process, in which driving a circulation pump 91 is stopped, is intermittently and repeatedly performed.