Bubble-Generating Washer Control for Low-Water Delicate Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines consume excessive water and energy, and can damage delicate laundry due to the mechanical action of the rotary drum, while existing bubble-generating technologies also inefficiently use energy.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine and control method that uses bubbles to reduce water consumption and energy usage by heating concentrated detergent liquid to generate bubbles, which act as a cushion to minimize friction and improve washability, with controlled water resupply based on load to optimize water levels for efficient bubble generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional washing machines use a rotary drum to wash laundry, then washing function is achieved, but water consumption and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential washing function from the conventional rotary drum system by introducing bubbles as the primary washing medium. The bubble generator creates bubbles that directly contact and wash the laundry, eliminating the need for large amounts of water and the mechanical action of the rotary drum, thus resolving the contradiction between water consumption and washing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary drum system with a bubble-based washing system. Instead of using mechanical rotation to agitate and wash laundry, the system uses generated bubbles to perform the washing function, significantly reducing water consumption and energy usage while maintaining effective washing capability.
2Reliability
If conventional washing machines heat wash water for washing, then washing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the washing medium by using concentrated detergent solution to generate bubbles. This allows the system to achieve effective washing at lower temperatures compared to conventional hot water washing, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness.
3Productivity
If rotary drum rotates to wash laundry, then washing action is provided, but delicate laundry is damaged due to friction and dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the harmful mechanical action of the rotary drum with a gentle bubble-based washing system. Bubbles provide washing action through their physical and chemical properties without causing friction, dropping, or mechanical stress to delicate laundry, thus eliminating laundry damage while maintaining washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bubbles as an intermediary medium between the washing system and the laundry. These bubbles act as a cushion that gently contacts the laundry, providing washing action without the harmful mechanical forces associated with rotary drum operation, thereby protecting delicate fabrics from damage.
4Quantity of substance
If bubble generator is used to generate bubbles for washing, then water consumption is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to bubble generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the energy efficiency of bubble generation by using concentrated detergent solution. The high concentration of detergent reduces the energy required for bubble formation and stabilization, allowing the system to maintain reduced water consumption while minimizing the energy penalty associated with bubble generation.
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 approach enhances washing efficiency, reduces water and energy consumption, minimizes laundry damage, and increases washability by using bubbles as a cushion during delicate washing, while optimizing water usage through controlled resupply.
Implementation Method 1
heating concentrated detergent liquid including the wash water and the detergent mixed with each other
Implementation Method 2
generating and supplying bubbles into the water tub when the temperature of the heated concentrated detergent liquid reaches a predetermined bubble generation temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine. The washing control method includes supplying wash water and detergent into a water tub, heating concentrated detergent liquid including the wash water and the detergent mixed with each other, generating and supplying bubbles into the water tub when the temperature of the heated concentrated detergent liquid reaches a predetermined bubble generation temperature, and washing laundry with the supplied bubbles.