Laundry washing machine with improved washing performances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry washing machines face issues with uneven distribution of washing/rinsing liquid, leading to incomplete laundry treatment, high water and additive consumption, and bulky additive housing, which obstructs space for increased load capacity.

Innovation Solution

A laundry washing machine with an electric additive treating device mounted in the drum generates a solution of washing/rinsing additive and water directly within the drum, using wireless power transmission to the device, reducing the need for external conduits and additive housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard washing machine drum design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but washing performance is insufficient and energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddrum structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drum is segmented into multiple functional zones with different surface characteristics. The drum surface includes hydrophilic regions and hydrophobic regions arranged in specific patterns, creating distinct washing zones that handle different fabric types and soil types separately, thereby improving overall washing performance through functional segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the drum surface are given different local qualities through varying surface treatments. Hydrophilic coatings are applied to regions handling cotton and linen fabrics, while hydrophobic coatings are applied to regions handling synthetic fabrics, optimizing washing effectiveness for each fabric type in its specific location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If high energy consumption is used for washing, then washing performance improves, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine implements periodic action through alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases during the washing cycle. The drum rotates through zones with different surface properties in sequence, creating periodic variations in water-fabric interaction that enhance soil removal efficiency while reducing the need for continuously high energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters dynamically by altering the surface energy characteristics of the drum through periodic exposure to different coated regions. This parameter change approach allows effective washing at lower energy levels by utilizing surface chemistry variations rather than relying solely on thermal and mechanical energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional washing methods are used, then the process is simple to operate, but fabric damage occurs and washing quality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing qualityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine performs self-service through automatic detection and adaptation. The control system automatically detects fabric type, soil level, and washing conditions, then adjusts the drum rotation speed, water flow patterns, and heating parameters without user intervention, achieving high washing quality while maintaining simple operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor washing progress and fabric condition. Sensors detect parameters such as water temperature, drum vibration, and energy consumption, feeding this information back to the control system which adjusts operating parameters in real-time to optimize washing quality while preventing fabric damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4061991B1Laundry washing machine with improved washing performances
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4061991B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4061991B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4061991B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention is related to a laundry washing machine (10) comprising: a cabinet (20), a washing tub (30) housed inside the cabinet (20), a drum (50) rotatably housed inside the cabinet (20), an electric additive treating device (200) mounted in/on the drum (50) and configured for treating a washing and/or rinsing additive (8) loaded within the drum (50) in such a way to generate within the drum (50) a solution (14) of washing and/or rinsing additive (8) water (3). The invention is also related to a method for operating such a laundry washing machine (10), comprising the following steps: - loading a washing and/or rinsing additive (8) within the drum (50); - loading laundry within the drum (50); - activating the electric additive treating device (200) for causing the mix of the washing and/or rinsing additive (8) with water (3) and generating the solution (14) within the drum (50); - providing the solution (14) to the laundry loaded within the drum (50).