Laundry Drum Lifter Liquid Distribution to Reduce Uneven Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional washing machines often result in uneven distribution of liquid and treating chemistries to laundry items, particularly those located at the rear or bottom of the tub, due to the location of the spray nozzle, leading to inadequate washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distribution assembly that uses lifters within the drum to distribute liquid and chemistries more evenly throughout the treating chamber, with a sealing interface between the tub and drum to minimize leakage and ensure efficient liquid flow to the lifters, which then deliver the liquid to the treating chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spray nozzle is used to distribute liquid to the treating chamber, then liquid distribution is achieved, but uneven distribution occurs particularly to laundry items at the rear or bottom of the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distribution system is segmented into multiple pathways: a spray nozzle for general distribution and multiple lifters (first, second, and third lifters) positioned at different locations within the drum. Each lifter receives liquid through separate conduits from the distribution manifold, enabling targeted distribution to specific areas of the treating chamber that the spray nozzle cannot reach effectively, particularly the rear and bottom regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Lifters serve as intermediary elements between the liquid distribution system and the laundry load. These lifters are positioned to contact and lift laundry items, and liquid is distributed onto the lifters which then transfer the liquid to the laundry during the washing cycle, ensuring more uniform distribution compared to direct spray nozzle application.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid is distributed through the rear portion of the tub and drum, then improved distribution is achieved, but liquid leakage between the tub and drum occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bellows structure is positioned between the tub rear portion and the drum rear portion to create a sealing interface. This bellows flexes to accommodate the relative motion between the stationary tub and rotating drum while maintaining a liquid-tight seal, preventing leakage of liquid that is distributed through the rear portions of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing solution moves from a simple radial seal to a multi-dimensional approach using a bellows structure that accommodates both radial and axial movements. The bellows creates a labyrinthine path for potential leakage, forcing liquid to traverse multiple barriers rather than a single seal line, thereby preventing leakage effectively.
3Loss of substance
If a sealing interface is formed between the tub manifold portion and drum manifold portion, then liquid leakage is minimized, but the sealing element wear increases due to continuous contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be self-lubricating through the liquid being sealed. The liquid flow through the sealing interface provides natural lubrication to the sealing element, reducing friction and wear. The system uses the process fluid itself to maintain the sealing element, eliminating the need for external lubrication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interface is designed to change its operational parameters based on liquid flow conditions. When liquid flows through the interface, the sealing element transitions to a low-friction state with improved lubrication. The sealing mechanism adapts its friction characteristics dynamically based on the presence and flow rate of liquid, optimizing both sealing performance and element durability.
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 ensures improved washing performance by evenly distributing liquid and chemistries to all laundry items, reducing cycle time and energy consumption while maintaining tub stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing interface formed between the tub manifold portion and the drum manifold portion and at least partially defined by at least one of the tub manifold portion and the drum manifold portion, the sealing interface comprising one of the tub manifold portion and the drum manifold portion comprising a sealing element, and the other of the tub manifold portion and the drum manifold portion comprising a sealing surface, the sealing element configured to selectively bear against the sealing surface
Implementation Method 2
a liquid conduit fluidly coupling the drum manifold portion to the at least one lifter
Implementation Method 3
uses lifters within the drum to distribute liquid and chemistries more evenly throughout the treating chamber, with a sealing interface between the tub and drum to minimize leakage and ensure efficient liquid flow to the lifters, which then deliver the liquid to the treating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance is disclosed. The laundry treating appliance includes a tub having a tub side wall and a tub end wall defining a liquid chamber with a tub end opening. A tub manifold portion is positioned at the tub end wall. A rotatable drum is located within the liquid chamber, rotatable about a rotational axis, and has a drum side wall and a drum end wall at least partially defining a treating chamber with a drum end opening. A drum manifold portion is positioned at the drum end wall and confronts the tub manifold portion. At least one lifter is secured to the drum, and a liquid conduit fluidly couples the drum manifold portion to the at least one lifter.