Jet Pump Wash Fluid Recirculation for Low-Water Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face challenges in reducing water consumption while maintaining effective cleansing and rinsing, especially for large wash loads, as conventional recirculation systems require energy-intensive pumps.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a jet pump system that utilizes the Venturi effect to recirculate wash fluid by creating a pressure differential, drawing water from the wash tub and returning it to the wash basket, reducing the need for energy-consuming pumps and allowing for efficient water recirculation during filling, washing, and rinsing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional recirculation pumps are used to recirculate wash fluid, then water consumption is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical recirculation pump with a jet pump system that utilizes fluid dynamics (Venturi effect) to create suction and recirculate wash fluid. This substitution eliminates the need for motor-driven pumps, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining water recirculation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using a jet pump that leverages fluid pressure and the Venturi effect to draw wash fluid from the wash tub and return it to the wash basket. This hydraulic approach enables pump-less recirculation, addressing both water conservation and energy efficiency requirements.
2Loss of substance
If recirculation systems are implemented to reduce water usage, then water consumption decreases, but device complexity increases due to pump requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the complex mechanical pump system with a simpler jet pump based on fluid dynamics principles, the invention reduces device complexity while achieving the same water recirculation function. The jet pump eliminates motors, belts, and other mechanical components associated with conventional pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet pump system is self-actuating, using the flow of wash fluid itself to create the suction needed for recirculation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources and complex control systems, thereby reducing overall system 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 approach enables washing machines to effectively cleanse and rinse large wash loads with a reduced amount of water and lower energy consumption compared to conventional systems, achieving water conservation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The jet pump includes a suction port in fluid communication with a recirculation line. As wash fluid flows through the jet pump, a pressure differential is created at the suction port that draws water from the wash tub through the recirculation line.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.