Dual-Function Drain Pump with Rib-Guided Flow Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum washing machines require separate motors for circulation and drain pumps, leading to space constraints and high costs, with issues of backflow during both processes due to the need for multiple motors and flow path direction changes.
Innovation Solution
A single motor and impeller-based drain pump with a cylindrical housing, featuring a ribbed inner surface and distinct grooves to guide water flow, allowing for both drain and circulation functions while preventing backflow by controlling the impeller's rotation direction and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate motors are used for circulation pump and drain pump, then each pump can operate independently, but installation space is restricted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circulation pump and drain pump into a single integrated pump unit with one motor and one impeller. The housing contains both a circulation opening and a drain opening, allowing the single impeller to direct water flow to either the circulation path or drain path by changing rotation direction, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining independent operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a circulation pump to circulate washing water during the washing process, and as a drain pump to discharge washing water during the drain process. The impeller's ability to change rotation direction enables this multi-functionality, allowing one device to replace two separate devices
2Area of stationary object
If a single motor and impeller are used for both circulation and drain pumps, then installation space is reduced, but washing water may backflow toward undesired flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system uses dynamic control of the impeller's rotation direction to prevent backflow. During circulation process, the impeller rotates in a first direction to direct water toward the circulation opening while preventing backflow to the drain opening. During drain process, the impeller rotates in a second (opposite) direction to direct water toward the drain opening while preventing backflow to the circulation opening. This dynamic direction control ensures reliable flow path separation
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as an intermediary element that separates the flow paths. The housing contains the impeller and provides distinct openings for circulation and drain functions. By controlling the impeller rotation direction, the housing mediates between the single impeller and the two separate flow paths, preventing water from entering the wrong path
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow path direction is changed during circulation or drain process, then single pump can serve both functions, but washing water may backflow to undesired path
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the impeller's rotation direction based on the operational mode. A controller receives signals to determine whether circulation or drain process is needed, then controls the motor to rotate the impeller in the appropriate direction. This dynamic adaptation allows the single pump to versatilely serve both functions while preventing backflow through proper direction control
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
Enables efficient operation as both a drain and circulation pump with a single motor and impeller, reducing installation space and costs, while preventing backflow and increasing water flow efficiency by directing water smoothly to the appropriate opening.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation opening and a drain opening protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the housing in a tangential direction, forming a moving path of the washing water by being communicated with the housing... the rib guides the washing water to the circulation opening or the drain opening by rotation of the impeller in one direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drain pump for a laundry treating apparatus includes a housing, an impeller, a motor, a circulation outlet, and a drain outlet. The circulation outlet and the drain outlet are defined on an outer circumferential surface of the housing, enable communication of the washing water with the housing, and protrude outward in directions tangential to the outer circumferential surface. The housing includes a rib that protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of the housing, that is located between the circulation outlet and the drain outlet, and that is configured to guide the washing water to the circulation outlet or to the drain outlet based on a direction of rotation of the impeller.