Dissolution device and drum washing machine having same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum washing machines do not completely dissolve laundry detergents, leading to residue on clothes, incomplete cleaning, and potential health and environmental hazards due to the agglomeration of washing powder and insufficient utilization of detergent active ingredients.

Innovation Solution

A dissolution device for drum washing machines featuring a first dissolution chamber with an inverted cone bottom wall and an impeller, where water flows along the bottom wall to create a swirling flow, and a flushing port to drive the impeller rotation, ensuring thorough detergent dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If washing powder is put in a detergent box and brought into the washing machine by influent water flow, then the detergent delivery is simple, but the detergent is not completely dissolved and forms residue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent delivery structureVSAvoiddetergent dissolution completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dissolution chamber as an intermediary between the detergent box and the washing drum. This chamber contains water and an impeller that actively dissolves the detergent before it enters the washing drum, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple delivery structure and complete dissolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary dissolution of detergent in the dissolution chamber before the detergent reaches the washing drum. The impeller rotates to mix and dissolve the detergent in advance, preventing residue formation during the main washing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If high velocity flow drives an active impeller to rotate and drives a driven impeller to rotate, then the dissolution efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dissolution efficiencyVSAvoidimpeller system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of active and driven impellers into a single dissolution chamber. The active impeller driven by high-velocity water flow rotates to dissolve detergent, while the driven impeller is passively rotated by the same water flow, combining multiple dissolution functions in one integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses high-velocity water flow (hydraulic principle) to drive the active impeller rotation. The kinetic energy of the water flow is converted into rotational motion of the impeller, eliminating the need for external motors or complex mechanical drive systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If detergent is not completely dissolved, then the detergent delivery is simple, but the cleaning effect degrades due to insufficient utilization of active ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent delivery systemVSAvoidcleaning effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dissolution chamber serves as an intermediary that ensures complete detergent dissolution before the detergent enters the washing drum. This intermediate processing step guarantees that all active ingredients are properly dissolved, thereby ensuring reliable cleaning performance without complicating the overall delivery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary dissolution of detergent in the dissolution chamber using water flow and impeller rotation. This pre-dissolution ensures that the detergent is fully activated and ready for effective cleaning, preventing degradation of cleaning effect due to incomplete dissolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly enhances detergent dissolution efficiency, resulting in improved cleaning effectiveness and complete detergent utilization, reducing residue and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the water flows along the bottom wall of the first dissolution chamber, whereby a swirling water flow can be formed in the first dissolution chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirling flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

the water in the water input box can be directed towards the impeller through the flushing port to drive the impeller to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller rotation: Impeller

Data Source

PatentEP3533917B1Dissolution device and drum washing machine having same
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3533917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533917B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed are a dissolution device and a drum washing machine having the same. The dissolution device comprises a water input box (1), a dissolution box (2) and an impeller (3), wherein the water input box (1) is provided with a water inlet (11), a first drain port (12) and a flushing port (16); the impeller (3) is rotatably provided to a side wall of the dissolution box (2) and is located at the flushing port (16); and the water in the water input box (1) rushes to the impeller (3) through the flushing port (16), so as to push the impeller (3) to rotate. The above-mentioned arrangements allow a detergent to be fully dissolved.