Dual Recirculation Washing Tub Layout for Detergent Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry washing machines lack efficient control over liquid recirculation, which affects washing efficiency and product dissolution, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential product accumulation at the bottom of the tub.

Innovation Solution

A laundry washing machine with a dual recirculation system, comprising a first recirculation circuit for wetting the laundry and a second recirculation circuit for improving detergent dissolution, both controlled by separate pumps and filtering devices, allowing independent operation to enhance washing efficiency and prevent product accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single recirculation pump is used to recirculate liquid in the washing tub, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing efficiency and control precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidrecirculation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two independent recirculation circuits: a first recirculation circuit for wetting laundry and a second recirculation circuit for dissolving detergent. Each circuit has its own pump (first recirculation pump and second recirculation pump) and can operate independently, allowing simultaneous or sequential execution of different washing functions without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recirculation system is designed to perform multiple functions through two circuits: one dedicated to wetting laundry and another dedicated to detergent dissolution. This multi-functional design allows the system to address different washing requirements simultaneously, improving overall washing efficiency while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If liquid recirculation is not properly controlled, then the device complexity is reduced, but product dissolution is incomplete and product accumulation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct dissolution completenessVSAvoidrecirculation control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation system is segmented into two independent circuits with separate pumps and control mechanisms. The first circuit handles laundry wetting while the second circuit handles detergent dissolution, allowing precise control over liquid distribution to ensure complete product dissolution without accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors and coordinates the operation of both recirculation pumps, enabling feedback-based control to ensure proper liquid distribution. This allows the system to adjust recirculation patterns to achieve complete detergent dissolution and prevent product accumulation in the tub.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The dual recirculation system increases washing efficiency by ensuring complete wetting and dissolution of detergents, preventing product accumulation and maintaining hygiene, while allowing independent control of recirculation phases for improved washing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first recirculation pump suitable for forcing liquid inside the first recirculation circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a second recirculation pump suitable for forcing liquid inside the second recirculation circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 3

said chamber comprising a filter suitable to hold fluff and other particles flowing from the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2890842B1Laundry washing machine
Publication Date: 2016.06.29 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2890842B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2890842B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2890842B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1) comprising a washing tub (3) external to a rotatable washing drum (4) adapted to receive laundry. The machine further comprises a water supply circuit (5) to supply water into the washing tub (3), a washing/rinsing products supplier (6) to supply washing/rinsing products into the washing tub (3), a liquid outlet circuit (25) suitable for withdrawing liquid from the washing tub (3) and to convey such a liquid to the outside. The machine further comprises a first recirculation circuit (20) suitable for withdrawing liquid from the washing tub (3) and to re-admit such a liquid into a first region (3b) of said washing tub (3), wherein the first recirculation circuit (20) comprising a first recirculation pump (21) suitable for forcing liquid inside the first recirculation circuit (20) and a second recirculation circuit (30) suitable for withdrawing liquid from the washing tub (3) and to re- admit such a liquid into a second region (3c) of the washing tub (3). The second recirculation circuit (30) comprises a second recirculation pump (31) suitable for forcing liquid inside the second recirculation circuit (30).