Laundry Foam Generator Layout to Prevent Tub Backflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment machines lack effective control over foam generation and often result in foam flowing back into the tub, making it difficult to achieve a targeted foam wash.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two tubular connecting elements with different diameters, where air is blown into the second tubular connector to create foam that rises and enters the inner drum without flowing back, utilizing baffles or a porous outflow to prevent backflow and adjust foam quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If air is blown under pressure into the washing suds to generate foam, then foam is produced, but the foam cannot be controlled well in amount and type
Solution Approach 1:
The foam generation system is segmented into two distinct tubular connectors with different diameters. The first tubular connector (smaller diameter) allows controlled air intake from the bottom, while the second tubular connector (larger diameter) provides a separate pathway for foam discharge. This segmentation enables independent control of air supply and foam output, solving the problem of uncontrolled foam generation.
2Device complexity
If a single tubular connector is used for foam generation, then the structure is simple, but foam flows back into the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two tubular connectors with asymmetric diameter differences. The first tubular connector has a smaller diameter for air intake, while the second tubular connector has a larger diameter for foam discharge. This asymmetric design creates a one-way flow path where foam can easily exit through the larger second connector but cannot flow back through the smaller first connector, effectively preventing backflow without complex additional structures.
3Ease of operation
If foam is generated in the tub, then the foam can wet the laundry, but the foam distribution is not consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The second tubular connector acts as an intermediary device between the foam generation chamber and the laundry. By positioning this larger-diameter connector to discharge foam directly onto or near the laundry, it creates a controlled delivery mechanism that ensures consistent foam distribution. The intermediary connector stabilizes the foam flow before it contacts the laundry, achieving uniform wetting.
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
Ensures consistent foam distribution within the inner drum, preventing backflow and allowing for adjustable foam quantity and height, enhancing the user experience in foam wash programs.
Implementation Method 1
air is blown into the second tubular connector to create foam that rises and enters the inner drum
Implementation Method 2
foam that rises and enters the inner drum
Implementation Method 3
the second diameter of the second tubular connecting element is larger than the first diameter of the first tubular connecting element... preventing backflow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for generating foam (8) in a laundry treatment machine including a tub (1), said device comprising the following components: (a) a first tubular connecting element (4) having a first diameter, which is mounted in the vicinity of the lowest point of the tub (1); (b) a second tubular connecting element (5) having a first end and a second end and a second diameter, which is connected with the first end thereof to the first tubular connecting element (4) and which is connected with the second end thereof to an inner drum (2) of the laundry treatment machine; (c) an outlet (7) located in the second tubular connecting element (5) in the vicinity of the first end. The invention also relates to a method for using such a device as well as a corresponding laundry treatment machine.