Washing Machine Drum Wetting Control for Faster Detergent Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines take a long time to initiate the washing operation due to separate processes for water supply and detergent dissolution, which can be improved to reduce overall washing time while maintaining or enhancing washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a washing machine that supplies water and detergent simultaneously through a dispenser and spray nozzle, while rotating the inner tub at a speed that allows laundry to adhere to its surface, ensuring even detergent dissolution and efficient water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If water supply and detergent dissolution are performed at different times, then the washing machine can maintain simple control logic, but the overall washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines water supply and detergent dissolution into a single integrated process. The dispenser supplies both water and detergent simultaneously to the inner tub, eliminating the need for separate water filling and detergent dissolution steps. This merging of operations directly reduces overall washing time while maintaining manageable control complexity through coordinated simultaneous delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser performs preliminary action by pre-positioning both water and detergent for simultaneous delivery at the start of the washing cycle. The detergent is held in the dispenser ready for immediate release, and water is prepared for concurrent supply, allowing the washing process to begin without waiting for separate preparation steps.
2Duration of action of moving object
If detergent is supplied after water reaches preset level, then the dispenser can maintain simple structure, but detergent dissolution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser merges the functions of water storage, detergent storage, and simultaneous delivery into a single integrated structure. Water and detergent are supplied together through the same dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate timing mechanisms and reducing dissolution time without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a multi-functional device that handles both water and detergent delivery through a unified structure. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions (storing and dispensing both liquids) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If water is supplied through dispenser only, then the water distribution system can maintain simple structure, but detergent uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution system is segmented into two separate delivery paths within the dispenser: one for water and one for detergent. This segmentation allows each substance to be delivered through dedicated channels that ensure uniform distribution, with the water path and detergent path operating independently but simultaneously, improving detergent uniformity without requiring a completely complex new system.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining separate internal paths for water and detergent, the system merges their delivery at the point of application in the inner tub. Both substances are supplied simultaneously through the integrated dispenser structure, ensuring uniform mixing and distribution throughout the washing load without requiring complex post-delivery mixing mechanisms.
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 method allows for uniform detergent dissolution during the water supply process, reducing the overall washing time while maintaining or improving washing performance compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a spray nozzle for spraying water into the inner tub
Implementation Method 2
rotating the inner tub at a cloth wetting speed at which at least some of the laundry in the inner tub is adhered to an inner surface of the inner tub and can be rotated integrally with the inner tub
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a washing machine comprising an outer tub containing water, an inner tub which accommodates laundry and is rotatably installed in the outer tub, a dispenser which supplies detergent into the inner tub, and a spray nozzle for spraying water into the inner tub, including the steps of: (a) supplying water into the inner tub via the dispenser; (b) supplying water into the inner tub through the spray nozzle, during when water is supplied into the inner tub via the dispenser; and (c) rotating the inner tub at a cloth wetting speed at which at least some of the laundry in the inner tub is adhered to an inner surface of the inner tub and can be rotated integrally with the inner tub, during when water is supplied through the spray nozzle.