Multi-Outlet Magnetic Valve Layout for Stable Dispenser Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-bearing household appliances, such as washing machines and washer-dryers, face challenges in reliably flushing three or more chambers of a dispenser bowl due to eddies created by the spherical valve closing body, leading to instability and increased manufacturing costs with strong magnetic coils.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with at least one valve chamber and multiple magnetic actuating devices, where the number of outlets exceeds the number of valve closing bodies, each outlet is associated with a magnetic actuator, and the valve closing bodies are designed as spherical or hollow spherical units that can easily move between magnetic fields defined by energized coils, ensuring reliable switching and reduced mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spherical valve closing body is used to control multiple outlets, then the device complexity is reduced, but eddies are created in the water flow causing instability and requiring stronger magnetic coils
Solution Approach 1:
The single spherical valve closing body is segmented into multiple separate valve closing bodies (first, second, third valve closing bodies), each responsible for controlling specific outlets. This segmentation eliminates the eddy currents caused by a single large spherical body while distributing the magnetic actuation requirements, thereby maintaining central position stability without requiring excessively strong magnetic coils.
2Reliability
If stronger magnetic coils are used to maintain central position stability, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into multiple smaller valve closing bodies, each body experiences weaker eddy currents and requires less magnetic force for stable actuation. This allows the use of magnetic coils with moderate strength, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable central position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the valve system by using multiple smaller spherical valve closing bodies instead of one large body. This parameter change reduces the mass and magnetic moment of each individual valve body, allowing stable operation with weaker magnetic coils, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If multiple valve closing bodies are used to eliminate eddies, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple independent valve closing bodies, each controlling specific outlets. This segmentation eliminates eddy currents while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a common housing and coordinated magnetic actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve closing bodies are used, but they share common structural elements (housing, magnetic coil system, actuation mechanism). This multi-functionality approach allows reliable flow control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same basic components are replicated and coordinated.
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 configuration allows for stable and efficient flushing of multiple chambers with reduced energy consumption and manufacturing costs, as the magnetic fields align the valve closing bodies for precise sealing and reduced wear, maintaining central position stability.
Implementation Method 1
each outlet (5, 6, 7) is associated with a magnetic actuating device (29, 30, 31)
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic coils (29, 30, 31) for the outlets (5, 6, 7) are designed in such a way that they enclose the outlets (5, 6, 7)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (2), which, in particular, is used for water-using household appliances, comprising a valve chamber (25) and a plurality of magnetic actuation devices (29, 30, 31). According to the invention, a plurality of valve closing bodies (27, 28), which are arranged together in the valve chamber (25), is provided. The valve chamber (25) has a plurality of outlets (5, 6, 7). The number of outlets (5, 6, 7) is greater than the number of valve closing bodies (27, 28). Specifically, two valve closing bodies (27, 28) and three outlets are provided (5, 6, 7). According to the invention, one of the magnetic actuation devices (29, 30, 31) is associated with each outlet (5, 6, 7).