Laundry Detergent Recirculation Mixing for Faster Wetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry washing machine methods require a lengthy mixing phase for detergent and water, which is inefficient and necessitates complex structural constructions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a first mixing flow of water to form a washing solution, followed by a second recirculation flow to enhance detergent dispersion, utilizing a re-circulation circuit and a two-way valve to control the liquid flow, reducing the mixing phase duration and simplifying the machine's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a mixing step is performed in the wash liquor reservoir by recirculation, then the detergent is substantially dissolved or dispersed in the water, but the wetting phase takes a long time to be completed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dissolution qualityVSAvoidwetting phase duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the detergent with water in a separate mixing chamber before introducing the mixture to the washing drum. This preliminary mixing step ensures the detergent is fully dissolved and dispersed before the main washing cycle begins, eliminating the need for prolonged recirculation mixing during the wetting phase and thereby reducing the overall time required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a mixing step with recirculation is implemented, then the detergent composition is substantially dissolved or dispersed in the water, but a complex structural construction is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dissolution qualityVSAvoidstructural construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the washing machine into distinct functional modules: a separate mixing chamber for detergent preparation, a washing drum for the main washing cycle, and a control unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall structure compared to a single integrated recirculation system while ensuring thorough detergent dissolution in the dedicated mixing chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly reduces the mixing phase duration while ensuring effective detergent dispersion, independent of the selected washing program, and can be applied to various types of laundry washing machines.

Implementation Method 1

a step of conveying a first mixing flow of water from the water supply system to the containing unit to form a washing solution for wetting and washing said laundry with said washing product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a step of withdrawing at least a portion of said washing solution from said washing tub in order to create a second mixing flow of liquid and the step of conveying said second mixing flow to said containing unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRecirculation flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2578739B1Method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2578739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578739B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2578739B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for washing laundry (10) in a laundry washing machine (1), the laundry washing machine (1) comprising a washing tub (3) external to a washing drum (4) suited to receive the laundry (10), a containing unit (6) suitable to receive a quantity (Qd) of a washing product (D) and a water supply system (15) suitable to convey water (W) to the containing unit (6). The method comprising a step of conveying a first mixing flow (F1) of water (W) from the water supply system (15) to the containing unit (6) to form a washing solution (S) for wetting said laundry (10) with said washing product (D) and a step of conveying the washing solution (S) from the containing unit (6) to the washing tub (3). The method further comprises the step of withdrawing at least a portion of the washing solution (S) from the washing tub (3) in order to create a second mixing flow (F2) of liquid (S) and the step of conveying the second mixing flow (F2) to the containing unit (6).