Flexible Hose Deflection Assembly for Fluid Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling the direction of a fluid flow in household appliances, such as washing machines, require complex and costly electromechanically controllable devices with rotatable nozzles, which are difficult to manufacture and prone to water leakage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hose section serves as both the fluid inlet and deflection element, allowing for cost-effective and simple control of the fluid flow direction without the need for separate mechanical components, using a deflection element connected to a drive that can pivot or translate the hose section to direct the fluid jet into different channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotatable nozzles or chambers are used to electromechanically deflect the flow of water, then the fluid flow direction can be controlled, but the manufacturing effort and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the deflection function from complex rotatable nozzle assemblies and isolates it to a simple flexible hose section that can be easily manufactured and replaced
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose section serves as a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable component compared to complex electromechanically controllable devices, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality
2Ease of operation
If rotatable nozzles or chambers are used to electromechanically deflect the flow of water, then the fluid flow direction can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the deflection function from complex rotatable nozzle assemblies and isolates it to a simple flexible hose section that can be easily manufactured and replaced
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible hose section made of elastomeric material to provide the deflection function, replacing complex mechanical assemblies with a simple flexible component that can be easily actuated
3Ease of operation
If rotatable nozzles or chambers are used to electromechanically deflect the flow of water, then the fluid flow direction can be controlled, but sealing against water leakage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose section inherently provides sealing through its elastic material properties, eliminating the need for complex sealing mechanisms required by rigid rotatable assemblies
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, enhances robustness, and minimizes noise while ensuring reliable fluid guidance with low component count, allowing for precise control of fluid direction and efficient use in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The hose section can be made of an elastomeric material such as EPDM, a silicone or a rubber. Due to a flexible deflection of the hose section for setting an exit direction of the fluid jet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for controlling the discharge direction (A) of a fluid (F), particularly in a household appliance (4), comprising at least one fluid inlet (6), at least one fluid outlet (8), and a deflection element (16) coupled to the fluid inlet (6) for displacing and/or deflecting the fluid inlet (6), wherein the fluid inlet (6) is configured as an end-end hose section (10) and the fluid outlet (8) as at least one channel (18) for receiving and guiding a fluid jet (S) exiting the fluid inlet (6). The invention also relates to a household appliance with such an arrangement (1).