Washing machine appliance and regulator assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances face challenges in regulating water flow effectively across varying water pressures, leading to inconsistent additive dispensing, which affects cleaning performance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an inductive regulator along the fluid supply conduit, comprising a rotor, magnetic element, and electrical stator, controlled by a controller to manage water flow rates and pressures, ensuring consistent additive dispensing regardless of water pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aspirator system is used for additive dispensing, then the system can provide additive mixing with water flow, but the system is unable to force additive from dispenser when water pressure is below five pounds per square inch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aspirator system with an electronically controlled additive dispenser that uses a motor-driven pump mechanism. This electronic system can generate sufficient pressure to force additive from the dispenser regardless of incoming water pressure conditions, solving the reliability issue at low pressure while maintaining control through electronic regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the additive dispensing system by using a motor-driven pump that can vary its output pressure and flow rate independently of water supply pressure. This allows the system to maintain consistent additive delivery across a wide range of water pressure conditions by actively adjusting pump parameters.
2Productivity
If water pressure and flow rate is excessively high, then water flow increases, but an undesirable ratio of water to additive is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors water flow rate and adjusts the additive dispensing rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the ratio of water to additive remains consistent even when water pressure and flow rate vary, maintaining manufacturing precision through active regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a motor-driven pump system that can dynamically adjust its operation based on real-time water flow conditions. The system transitions from a static aspirator design to a dynamic controlled system that can respond to changing water pressure and flow conditions, maintaining the correct additive ratio across varying productivity levels.
3Device complexity
If a conventional additive dispenser is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system is limited in flexibility and potential use across different water pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal additive dispensing system that can operate across a wide range of water pressure conditions (from below 5 psi to high pressure). The motor-driven pump design provides multi-functionality, allowing the same system to adapt to various water supply conditions without requiring different hardware configurations, thus achieving versatility while maintaining reasonable structural 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
This solution enables the washing machine to maintain optimal water flow and additive dispensing across a wide range of water pressures, enhancing cleaning performance and user flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive regulator may include a regulator body, a rotor, a magnetic element, and an electrical stator. The electrical stator may be disposed outside of the enclosed cavity in selective magnetic communication with the magnetic element.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and a regulator assembly therefor are generally provided. The regulator assembly may include inductive regulator may be positioned along a fluid supply conduit downstream from a water supply. The inductive regulator may include a regulator body, a rotor, a magnetic element, and an electrical stator. The regulator body may define an enclosed cavity extending between a regulator inlet and a regulator outlet. The rotor may be rotatably disposed within the regulator body. The magnetic element may be rotationally attached to the rotor. The electrical stator may be disposed outside of the enclosed cavity in selective magnetic communication with the magnetic element.