Integrated Pump-Out Hose for Simpler Washing Machine Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suds pumping lines in washing machines are complex to manufacture and assemble, leading to increased costs and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A suds pumping line comprising a single, flexible hose with integrated components, including a hose holder and sealing elements, which simplifies the design and combines the functions of return tanks and pumping line pieces, reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-component suds pumping lines are used, then the system can manage suds return flow, but the manufacture and assembly become comparatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return tank and pumping line pieces into a single integrated suds pumping line component. This eliminates the need for separate return tanks and multiple pumping line sections, thereby simplifying both manufacturing processes and assembly operations while maintaining the functional capability to manage suds return flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated suds pumping line performs multiple functions within a single component: it serves as both the return tank for collecting suds and the pumping line for transporting the suds back under the laundry drum. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed and simplifies the overall system structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-component suds pumping lines are used, then the system can manage suds return flow, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the return tank and pumping line pieces into one integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant production steps and reducing inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall design is integrated, the suds pumping line incorporates strategically positioned segmentation features such as ventilation holes and connection points that allow the single component to perform multiple functions efficiently, maintaining functional complexity reduction while enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances assembly ease while increasing reliability, allowing for effective suds return flow management without imitating the shape of traditional drain pump lines.
Implementation Method 1
a predetermined quantity of suds can flow back through the suds pump under the laundry drum by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A pump-out section (5) for a washing machine (4) having a washer drum (6), a detergent solution pump (24) and a return container (30) provided in the pump-out section for filling the outlet region in the detergent solution tub (2), is supposed to be implemented in a cost-efficient and easy-to-assemble manner. For this purpose, a lower pump-out pipe piece (25), the return container (30) and an upper pump-out pipe piece (26) are configured in one piece at least partially as a bendable tube (71), which is fed at least partially through a tube holding device (1).