Ejector Recirculation Layout for Compact Low-Water Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines are bulky, consume high amounts of water and electric power, and require significant cleaning agents, with existing recirculation systems relying on electric pumps that increase costs and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine employs an ejector (jet pump) for recirculating washing liquid, utilizing grid water pressure to eliminate the need for an electric recirculation pump, and features parallel recirculation ducts to reuse water and cleaning agents efficiently, thereby reducing overall consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If an electric recirculation pump is used to recirculate washing liquid, then the washing machine can reduce water and cleaning agent consumption, but the electric power consumption increases and the machine becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pumping function from an electric motor and implements it purely through hydraulic principles using the ejector device. The grid water pressure is directly converted into recirculation flow through the ejector's nozzle-throat diffuser structure, eliminating the electric motor and its power consumption while maintaining the water recirculation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using grid water pressure as the driving force for recirculation. The ejector device converts the pressure energy of grid water into kinetic energy through a nozzle, creating a vacuum that draws washing liquid from the tub bottom and delivers it back to the laundry, entirely without electric power.
2Loss of substance
If an electric recirculation pump is used to recirculate washing liquid, then the washing machine can reduce water and cleaning agent consumption, but the manufacturing cost and overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive electric motor and associated control electronics from the recirculation system, replacing them with a simple ejector device made of basic hydraulic components. This extraction of the electric power requirement significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the cleaning agent recirculation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector device uses inexpensive materials and simple manufacturing processes, replacing costly electric motors and electronic controls. The hydraulic components can be made from standard piping and fittings, making the system much more economical to manufacture.
3Loss of substance
If an electric recirculation pump is used to recirculate washing liquid, then the washing machine can reduce water and cleaning agent consumption, but the machine becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky electric motor and its housing from the recirculation system, replacing it with a compact ejector device. The hydraulic system requires minimal space compared to an electric motor, allowing the washing machine to maintain a compact form factor while achieving water recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector device and its associated piping can be integrated into the existing washing machine structure, nesting the recirculation system within the available spaces. The hydraulic components are arranged to fit within the compact housing, avoiding additional external dimensions.
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 configuration reduces electric power consumption, saves water and cleaning agents, and minimizes the machine's size and manufacturing costs by leveraging grid water pressure for pumping action and ensuring complete evacuation of cleaning agents.
Implementation Method 1
pumps, which are referred to as ejectors, which use the Venturi effect of a converging-diverging nozzle to convert the pressure energy of a driving fluid into velocity energy, which, in turn, creates a low pressure that draws and drags a driven fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A washing machine (4) comprises a liquid recirculation system the with an ejector (20) having an inlet opening (1) in flow communication with a supply duct (21), a suction opening (2) in flow communication with a first recirculation duct connected to the bottom (13) of the washing tub (6), and an outlet opening (3) in flow communication with at least one second or third recirculation duct, wherein the second recirculation duct includes a cleaning agent compartment (11) and the third recirculation duct (27) bypasses the cleaning agent compartment (11).