Filtering Agitator With Internal Fluid Pumping for Laundry Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliances lack an efficient mechanism to filter and recycle wash fluid while maintaining effective cleaning performance, particularly in removing particulate materials such as fabric strands, lint, and foreign objects during the washing process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotator, either as an agitator or impeller, within the laundry appliance that generates a toroidal flow of wash fluid and a supplemental flow through a filter assembly, utilizing structural ribs and vanes to create suction for filtering particulates, with a removable filtration element for capturing and separating debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is incorporated into the agitator or impeller, then particulate materials are effectively removed from wash fluid, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is integrated directly into the agitator or impeller structure, combining the filtration function with the existing washing mechanism. This merging approach allows particulate removal without adding a completely separate filtration system, thereby improving reliability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator or impeller is designed to serve dual functions: generating toroidal flow for washing and simultaneously driving wash fluid through the filter assembly for particulate removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated filtration components, resolving the contradiction between effective filtration and device complexity.
2Productivity
If wash fluid is directed through a filter assembly within the rotator, then wash fluid is recycled and cleaning efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path integration merges the washing and filtration processes into a single operational sequence. Wash fluid is directed through the filter assembly as part of the normal washing cycle, enabling recycling and enhanced cleaning efficiency without requiring separate complex fluid handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly operates continuously during the washing cycle, with wash fluid constantly being directed through it as the rotator generates toroidal flow. This continuous filtration action enhances cleaning efficiency by consistently removing particulates, while the integrated design prevents the fluid path complexity from becoming excessive.
3Reliability
If structural ribs and vanes are used to generate toroidal flow and suction, then particulate removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural ribs and vanes on the rotator perform multiple functions: generating toroidal flow for washing, creating suction for fluid intake, and driving wash fluid through the filter assembly. This multi-functionality improves particulate removal effectiveness while avoiding the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Effectively filters and recycles wash fluid, enhancing cleaning efficiency by removing particulate materials while maintaining the toroidal flow for thorough washing, with a removable filtration element for easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A rotator selectively rotates relative to the drum to generate at least a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through a filter assembly positioned within the rotator
Implementation Method 2
utilizing structural ribs and vanes to create suction for filtering particulates
Data Source
AI summary
A washing appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum rotates within the tub. A fluid flow path directs fluid through the tub and the drum. A rotator selectively rotates relative to the drum to generate at least a toroidal flow of the wash fluid through the drum and a supplemental flow of the wash fluid through a filter assembly positioned within the rotator.