Drum Washer Tub Inlet Structure for Direct Low-Water Laundry Wetting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drum type washing machines require significant energy to heat large amounts of water for efficient washing, which is inefficient, and existing solutions like steam generation are not effectively integrated into the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A new water supply structure where water is directly supplied to the front of the tub through a water supply hole, with a water flow guide that spreads the water and includes ribs to prevent sagging, allowing for efficient distribution and use of a small amount of water, and optionally using steam for enhanced washing capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water is supplied to the tub through the detergent box using existing water supply hoses, then the water supply structure is simple, but the water cannot be directly supplied to the laundry, reducing washing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into multiple pathways: the existing water supply hose for general water supply, and a new dedicated water supply hole in the tub for direct laundry water supply. This segmentation allows simultaneous simple water supply structure and direct water application to laundry, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and washing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tub acts as an intermediary component between the water supply system and the laundry. By forming a water supply hole in the tub, the tub mediates the water delivery process, enabling direct water supply to the laundry while maintaining the simplicity of the overall water supply structure through the existing detergent box connection.
2Temperature
If a large amount of water is heated in the tub to elevate temperature, then the washing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of water quantity from large amount to small amount by supplying water directly to the laundry through the water supply hole. This parameter change allows using less water for heating, thereby reducing energy consumption while still achieving the desired laundry temperature through direct steam or hot water application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the water heating function from the bulk water in the tub and applies it directly to the laundry. By taking out only the necessary amount of water and applying it directly through the water supply hole, the system avoids heating large amounts of water, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining washing capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If steam is supplied to the tub or drum for improving washing capability, then energy efficiency is improved, but the steam supply structure is not effectively integrated into the washing process
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply hole in the tub serves multiple functions: it can supply liquid water directly to the laundry, and it can also serve as an integration point for steam supply. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain energy efficiency through steam usage while avoiding complex dedicated steam supply structures, as the same water supply infrastructure serves both purposes.
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 approach reduces water and detergent usage, saves energy, and improves washing efficiency by directly supplying water to the laundry, while also allowing for the use of steam for enhanced cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A water flow guide may be further provided for guiding the water to be directed toward an inside of the drum. The water flow guide may be shaped to make the water being supplied be spread widely as far as possible.
Implementation Method 2
The water flow guide may include ribs. The ribs support sagging of the water flow guide.
Implementation Method 3
Recently, a washing machine provided with a steam generator is come into market. In the washing machine, steam is supplied to the tub or the drum, for improving the washing capability as well as energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine for treating laundry. One embodiment of the laundry machine may include a water supply valve, a drum (30) in which laundry is placed, a tub (20) in which the drum (30) is rotatably placed, the tub (20) having an extended portion (23a) which extends forward and have an opening at a front portion thereof for laundry entrance, and a tub water supply portion (140), and a water supply line to guide water from the water supply valve to the tub water supply portion (140).