Drum Spray Nozzle Control for Bidirectional Washing Fluid Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face inefficiencies in spraying washing fluid onto laundry due to fixed spray nozzle orientations, which do not adapt to the drum's rotation direction, potentially leading to ineffective washing performance.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a direction changing unit with multiple spray nozzles and a hydraulic pressure varying system, controlled by a controller that adjusts the spray direction based on the drum's rotation, ensuring accurate and efficient distribution of washing fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed spray nozzle orientation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing performance deteriorates due to misalignment with drum rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle orientation is made dynamic by detecting the drum's rotation direction and adjusting the spray direction accordingly. The controller receives rotation direction signals and actuates the spray nozzle to align with the drum's rotation, ensuring washing fluid is always sprayed effectively onto the laundry regardless of rotation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the drum rotation direction is continuously detected and fed back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the spray nozzle orientation based on this feedback signal, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal spray alignment with the drum rotation.
2Reliability
If the spray direction is adjusted to match drum rotation, then the washing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system for detecting drum rotation is replaced with a sensor-based detection system. The rotation direction detector uses non-contact sensing methods to detect drum rotation direction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective spray alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives rotation direction signals from the detector, processes this information, and actuates the spray nozzle accordingly. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single component, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizing device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple spray nozzles are used to cover different directions, then the washing performance is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed spray nozzles oriented in different directions, a single spray nozzle is made dynamic by enabling it to change its orientation based on drum rotation direction. This dynamic adjustment achieves comprehensive fluid distribution effectiveness with fewer nozzles, reducing device complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine and associated washing method are provided. The washing machine may include a cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the cabinet, and a spray nozzle provided inside the cabinet to spray washing fluid into the drum. A spraying direction of the spray nozzle may be varied based on a rotation direction of the drum to improve washing performance of the washing machine.