Elastic Water Outlet for Stable Laundry Circulating Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing circulating water storage devices in laundry processors experience unstable water flow at the water outlet due to varying water levels, leading to inefficient water utilization, particularly in condensation processes where excessive or insufficient water supply results in waste or ineffective drying.
Innovation Solution
A water storage device with a movable wall made of elastic material at the water outlet, which compresses and adjusts the drainage passage based on water pressure, maintaining a stable flow by narrowing when water pressure is high and widening when pressure is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the water outlet is located at the bottom of the water storage device, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the water flow becomes unstable due to varying water levels and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the drainage passage width variable rather than fixed. The elastic wall (302) dynamically adjusts the drainage passage (301) width in response to water pressure changes, allowing the system to adapt to varying water levels while maintaining stable flow. This resolves the contradiction by transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that self-regulates based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the drainage passage width from constant to variable. By using an elastic wall material that deforms under water pressure, the passage width automatically adjusts as a function of water level and pressure. This parameter change enables the system to maintain stable flow characteristics despite variations in water storage conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If more water is stored in the water storage device, then more cooling water is available for condensation, but the water pressure increases causing excessive water flow that wastes water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a natural feedback mechanism where the elastic wall senses water pressure (which increases with water quantity) and automatically adjusts the drainage passage width accordingly. When water quantity increases and pressure rises, the elastic wall compresses to narrow the passage, reducing flow rate. This negative feedback loop prevents excessive water flow and waste while allowing full utilization of available water resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation without external control mechanisms. The elastic wall automatically responds to water pressure changes by adjusting passage width, enabling the system to self-manage water flow based on stored water quantity. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external sensors, actuators, or control systems while preventing water waste.
3Stress or pressure
If the water pressure acting force on the movable wall is high, then more water can be supplied to the condensation passage, but the drainage passage becomes too narrow reducing effective water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drainage passage width a dynamic variable that responds to water pressure. The elastic wall continuously adjusts the passage width based on real-time pressure conditions, creating a balanced state where high pressure does not result in excessive flow. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between pressure and flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drainage passage width parameter in response to pressure changes. As water pressure acting force increases, the elastic wall deforms to reduce passage width, maintaining optimal flow conditions. This parameter coupling ensures that pressure and flow rate remain in a beneficial relationship rather than creating conflicting effects.
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 solution stabilizes the water flow, ensuring consistent water supply to condensation passages, optimizing water utilization and achieving better drying efficiency by adapting to changing water levels.
Implementation Method 1
The movable wall is made of an elastic material. The elastic material may be rubber.
Implementation Method 2
when more water is stored in the water storage device, a greater water pressure acting force is applied on the movable wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a laundry processor (1) by use of circulating water, which is provided with a water storage device (4) for containing circulating water. The water storage device (4) has a water outlet (6) located at a bottom of the water storage device (4), the water outlet (6) includes a movable wall (63, 82), and the movable wall (63, 82) is disposed in a drainage passage (61, 81) tending to compress the water outlet (6) under the effect of water pressure. When more water is stored in the water storage device (4), a greater water pressure acting force is applied on the movable wall (63, 82), and the drainage passage (61, 81) of the water outlet (6) becomes narrower. When the water level in the water storage device (4) declines gradually, the water pressure acting force on the movable wall (63, 82) decreases gradually, and the drainage passage (61, 81) of the water outlet (6) becomes wider gradually. Therefore, water flow of the drainage passage (61, 81) can maintain a stable state.