Multi-Tub Washing Machine Drain Layout to Prevent Siphonage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require multiple operations to wash separate loads, leading to inefficiencies and increased time, and they often face issues with siphonage among multiple tubs, which can result in water loss.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design incorporating multiple tubs with a shared drain path system, where at least one portion of the drain path is located higher than the maximum water storage height of the upper tub, utilizing check valves and a connector to prevent backflow and siphonage, allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple washing apparatuses without separate control valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple washing apparatuses are integrated into a single washing machine, then productivity and time efficiency are improved, but siphonage problems occur causing water loss
Solution Approach 1:
The drain path is configured with a highest point positioned at or above the maximum water storage height of the upper tub, creating an equipotential barrier that prevents siphonage. This elevation design ensures that water cannot flow back into the upper tub through gravity alone, eliminating the siphonage effect while maintaining efficient drainage to the sewer.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component that joins the first and second drain paths. This connector includes check valves that act as mediators to prevent backflow between the drain paths while allowing simultaneous drainage. The intermediary structure enables multiple washing apparatuses to share a common drainage system without causing water loss through siphonage.
2Device complexity
If multiple washing apparatuses share a common drain path, then device complexity and manufacturing costs are reduced, but siphonage among tubs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The shared drain path incorporates a highest point elevated to the maximum water storage height of the upper tub, creating a gravitational barrier. This equipotential design allows a single common drain path to serve multiple tubs while preventing water from flowing back into any tub through siphonage, thus maintaining simplicity without causing water loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Check valves are introduced as intermediary components within the common drain path at strategic locations. These valves act as mediators that allow water to flow in the drainage direction while blocking any reverse flow that could cause siphonage, enabling a simple shared drain structure to function reliably for multiple tubs.
3Loss of substance
If check valves are added to prevent siphonage, then water loss is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously joins multiple drain paths, provides structural support, and incorporates check valves to prevent siphonage. This universal component consolidates multiple functions into a single element, adding water loss prevention capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valves are integrated directly into the connector structure, merging the valve function with the connection function. This combination eliminates the need for separate valve assemblies and complex mounting structures, adding siphonage prevention while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
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 enables efficient simultaneous washing of multiple loads, reduces manufacturing costs, and prevents siphonage, ensuring effective water management and reduced water loss.
Implementation Method 1
The first check valve may include a sealing protrusion which protrudes from a surface in contact with the first inlet pipe
Implementation Method 2
at least one portion of the drain path is located at a position higher than a maximum water storage height of the second tub
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine is provided, The washing machine includes a first housing (30, 35); a second housing (30, 35) disposed on the first housing (30, 35); a first tub (14, 23, 24) covered by the first housing (30, 35) and having a first opening (13C, 14A, 26) formed at a front surface; a second tub (14, 23, 24) covered by the second housing (30, 35) and having a second opening (13C, 14A, 26) formed at an upper surface; a drain path (P1, P2, P3) provided to drain wash water of the first tub (14, 23, 24) and wash water of the second tub (14, 23, 24) and having at least one portion located at a position (H2, H3, H4, H6, H7, H8, H9) higher than a maximum water storage height (H1, H5) of the second tub (14, 23, 24); and a connector (110, 210, 310, 330) coupled to the first housing (30, 35) and disposed at one portion of the drain path (P1, P2, P3) where wash water of the first tub (14, 23, 24) and wash water of the second tub (14, 23, 24) are joined.