Fluid flow structure and method of use for continuous motion washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous motion washing machines face challenges in maintaining a suitable lifting action for large, flat items in rectangular wash tanks, leading to items sticking to the bottom and not rolling effectively, resulting in unsanitary conditions and noise due to impacts with rigid steel walls.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow structure with a contoured guide surface and support system that creates a gap between the guide surface and the wash tank walls, reducing pinning and noise by allowing flexible motion and isolating impacts, and can be easily inserted or removed to accommodate items of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular wash tank with rigid steel walls is used, then the structure is simple and cost-efficient, but items stick to the bottom and impact the walls causing noise and unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid flow guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the jet stream and the wash tank walls/items. This structure redirects the fluid flow to create a rolling washing action without direct impact on the rigid steel walls, eliminating noise and preventing unsanitary pooling conditions while maintaining the simple rectangular tank design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by directing fluid flow through specific paths using the guide structure. The fluid dynamics create a rolling motion that lifts items off the bottom and prevents sticking, solving the noise and sanitation issues without requiring curved tank walls
2Reliability
If the wash tank bottom is curved to reduce pinning, then items do not stick to the bottom, but construction becomes more time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of curving the tank bottom, a fluid flow guide structure is placed within the rectangular tank to mediate the fluid flow. This intermediary structure creates the necessary rolling action and prevents pinning while keeping the simple rectangular tank geometry, thus avoiding increased construction time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow guide structure modifies the local fluid flow characteristics in specific areas of the tank without changing the overall tank geometry. This localized modification achieves the anti-pinning effect while maintaining the cost-efficient rectangular construction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid flow guide structure is added to reduce impacts and noise, then washing effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow guide structure is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently positioned and adjusted within the tank. This segmentation allows the complex flow guidance function to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow guide structure is designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to different washing needs and item sizes, reducing the need for multiple fixed structures and 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
The solution provides a cost-efficient and efficient wash action for diverse items, reducing noise and impacts on the wash tank walls while maintaining effective cleaning, even for larger items like sheet pans, by creating a circulating wash action that prevents sticking and promotes efficient cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
fluid is circulated to provide a rolling wash action for the pots, pans or other items being washed
Implementation Method 2
The front wall then deflects the upward moving jet stream towards the rear wall of the tank
Implementation Method 3
isolating impacts, noise or other vibrations acting on the guide surface from acting on the walls of the washing machine wash tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.