Gravity-Assisted Valve Switching for Stable Washer Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-bearing domestic appliances, such as washing machines and washer-dryers, face issues with inefficient water flow control due to the need for multiple magnetic coils to actuate a spherical valve closing body, leading to unstable central positioning and increased manufacturing costs, as well as vortex creation and movement of the valve closing body, which affects the sealing and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
A water-bearing household appliance design featuring a valve closing body that uses gravity and water pressure to maintain reliable sealing at two outlets, with a magnetic actuating device that reduces the need for multiple coils by leveraging water flow to keep the valve closing body in position, and a control system that optimizes the operation of multiple valve elements with a minimal number of magnetic actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two magnetic coils are used to actuate a spherical valve closing body, then the valve can be controlled in three operating modes, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closing body is segmented into two functional parts: a spherical ball portion for sealing and a cylindrical actuation portion with a through-hole. This segmentation allows the single-coil design to achieve three operating modes (open, closed, and intermediate) by controlling the position of the ball portion relative to the seat, while the cylindrical portion serves as a magnetic actuation interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetic rod or pin is introduced as an intermediary element that passes through the cylindrical portion of the valve closing body. This intermediary transmits the magnetic force from the single coil to the ball portion, enabling effective actuation without requiring two separate coils for dual-sided control.
2Productivity
If a spherical valve closing body is used in the middle position, then flow can exit both sides, but vortices are created and the valve becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closing body is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move freely between open, closed, and intermediate positions based on flow conditions and magnetic actuation. The cylindrical portion with through-hole and the rod/pin assembly enable controlled movement while maintaining stability in each position through a combination of magnetic holding force and mechanical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic spherical shape is extracted and replaced with a composite structure consisting of a spherical ball portion for sealing and a cylindrical actuation portion. This extraction of the pure spherical form eliminates the vortex generation issue while retaining the essential sealing function through the ball-to-seat contact geometry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a deep trough is configured for the central position, then the valve can be stabilized, but stronger magnet coils are required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stabilization approach using a deep trough is replaced with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The single magnetic coil, in conjunction with the cylindrical portion and rod/pin assembly, provides stable positioning through magnetic holding force without requiring a deep mechanical trough or excessively strong magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the physical parameters of the valve closing body by introducing a cylindrical portion with specific dimensional relationships to the ball radius and seat geometry. This parameter optimization allows stable positioning with moderate magnetic field strength, avoiding the need for deep troughs or overly powerful coils.
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 design ensures reliable, unthrottled water flow with improved sealing and reduced wear, lowering the load on magnetic actuators and costs, while maintaining operational stability and efficiency across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the valve closing body is arranged in such a way that the valve closing body is arranged at the first outlet in the operating position due to the force of gravity
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic actuating device for actuating the valve closing body from the first outlet to the second outlet
Implementation Method 3
a sufficiently strong flow of fresh water keeps the valve closing body at the second outlet even when the magnetic actuating device is switched off again
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water-using household appliance (2), which, in particular, is used as a laundry treatment appliance for washing and/or drying laundry, comprising a first valve element (1) having a valve chamber (9), and a valve closing body (5) arranged in the valve chamber (9). According to the invention, an inlet (6), a first outlet (7) and a second outlet (8) are associated with the valve chamber (9). The valve closing body (5) can be actuated by a magnetic actuation device (15). The valve element (1) is arranged such that the valve closing body (5) is arranged at the first outlet (7) in an operating position due to gravity (16). The magnetic actuation device (15) is used in this instance to actuate the valve closing body (5) from the first outlet (7) to the second outlet (8) against the force of gravity (16). The first valve element (1) can thus be switched by means of one magnetic actuation device (15) only.