Washing Machine Filter Box Channel Layout for Even Filter Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional washing machine filters wear out quickly due to uneven exposure to water and fibers, leading to premature failure and environmental pollution from microplastic discharge.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design featuring a filter box with a channel and distribution openings that ensures homogeneous water distribution onto the filter, preventing uneven wear and extending the filter's economic life, along with fixing members and a headpiece for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter is installed in the washing machine to remove microplastics and fibers, then environmental pollution is reduced, but the filter wears out quickly and becomes unusable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroplastic dischargeVSAvoidfilter lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform distribution of water flow across the filter surface through specifically positioned distribution openings in the channel. This ensures that areas of the filter most exposed to water and fiber contact receive enhanced cooling and flushing, locally extending their service life while maintaining effective microplastic filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If water flows directly onto the filter surface, then filtering effectiveness is maintained, but uneven water distribution causes localized wear and reduces filter lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering effectivenessVSAvoidfilter lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the water flow distribution by creating multiple distribution openings at different positions along the channel rather than a single集中 water inlet. This segmentation distributes water flow across multiple zones of the filter surface, preventing localized overload and extending filter life while maintaining comprehensive filtration coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform distribution of water flow across the filter surface through specifically positioned distribution openings in the channel. This ensures that areas of the filter most exposed to water and fiber contact receive enhanced cooling and flushing, locally extending their service life while maintaining effective microplastic filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the filter is positioned to maximize contact with washing water for effective filtration, then filtering performance is improved, but the filter wears out more quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidfilter durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform distribution of water flow across the filter surface through specifically positioned distribution openings in the channel. This ensures that areas of the filter most exposed to water and fiber contact receive enhanced cooling and flushing, locally extending their service life while maintaining effective microplastic filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a channel with distribution openings as an intermediary element between the water source and the filter surface. This intermediary structure controls and modulates the water flow pattern, distributing it evenly across the filter to prevent direct concentrated impact while maintaining effective filtration contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design ensures even distribution of water onto the filter, reducing wear and tear, thereby extending the filter's lifespan and minimizing microplastic discharge into the environment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one filter (9) for filtering the fibers in the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

distribution openings which enable the water flowing through the channel to be delivered onto the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP3839126B1A washing machine comprising a filter
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3839126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3839126B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2); a drum (4) which is disposed in the tub (3) and wherein the washing process is performed; a housing (5) which is arranged on the body (2) and which is in fluid communication with the tub (3); a circulation line (6) which enables the water received from the tub (3) to be delivered to the housing (5); a dispenser (7) which is disposed into the housing (5); and a filter box (10) which is disposed on the dispenser (7) and which has a water inlet opening (8) connected to the circulation line (6) and at least one filter (9) which filters the fibers in the water.