Multi-Row Outlet Inlet Water Unit for Compact Washing Machine Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances require significant installation space and complex manufacturing processes due to the need for multiple water flow paths and outlets in their inlet water units, especially when offering various treatment programs.
Innovation Solution
The inlet water unit is designed with outlets arranged in multiple rows or planes, allowing for a compact and robust structure that reduces the width and material requirements, while solenoid valves control water flow through each outlet, enabling efficient water distribution and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water channels and outlets are provided in the inlet water unit to manage several detergents/agents, then the appliance can offer various treatment programs with selective water flow control, but the dimensions of the inlet water unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the valve actuators inside the valve body, with each actuator housed within a cavity formed in the valve body. The valve body itself is integrated into the inlet water unit structure, creating a nested arrangement where components are embedded within each other to minimize overall dimensions while maintaining multiple water channels and outlets for various treatment programs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by configuring multiple water channels to intersect and branch in different directions within the valve body. The outlets are positioned at different locations and orientations on the valve body, allowing multiple flow paths to be packed into a compact volume by exploiting spatial dimensions rather than extending linearly
2Ease of operation
If multiple solenoid valves with bobbins are installed to control water flow to different chambers, then selective water flow control is achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve actuators into a single integrated valve body structure. Instead of having separate valve assemblies for each water channel, multiple solenoid valves are combined within one valve body, with each actuator controlling a specific outlet. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining selective water flow control to different detergent chambers
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses multiple solenoid valve actuators, provides structural support for the inlet water unit, contains internal cavities for each actuator, and forms the mounting surface for multiple outlets. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies manufacturing while achieving comprehensive water flow control
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 design achieves a compact and cost-effective inlet water unit that saves installation space and manufacturing costs while maintaining robust functionality, allowing for efficient water supply and detergent distribution during laundry cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet water unit typically comprises several solenoid valves with bobbins that are activated on demand during different times of the washing cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance having a casing, a washing tub for receiving laundry, a detergent dispenser to convey detergent/treating agents to the washing tub, and an inlet water unit for controlling and supplying water to the detergent dispenser and/or the tub. The inlet water unit includes a valve body having at least one inlet configured to connect to a water supply and outlets for connection to the detergent dispenser and/or the tub. The outlets are arranged in at least two rows in the valve body.