Washing Machine Pump Filtration for Debris and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack effective control over pump operation, particularly in terms of water flow rate and debris removal, leading to inefficiencies and potential issues like ventilation and blockages.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a variable speed pump controlled by a sensor and controller system that adjusts pump speed based on sensed parameters to maintain optimal water flow rates and address issues like ventilation and blockages, utilizing a brushless DC motor for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pump motor is used in existing washing machines, then the pump can drain water, but the control over pump operation is minimal and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable speed pump that can dynamically adjust its operating speed based on real-time feedback from sensors. The pump motor speed is continuously varied to maintain optimal drain flow rate, replacing the traditional fixed-speed operation. This dynamic control enables precise regulation of pump performance while minimizing energy consumption by operating at the lowest necessary speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor drain flow rate and provide feedback to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the pump motor speed accordingly to maintain the preferred flow rate. This closed-loop feedback control enables precise operation and prevents both under-performance and excessive energy consumption.
2Productivity
If pump speed is increased to improve drain flow rate, then water drainage efficiency improves, but energy consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the pump by varying the motor speed according to the actual drain requirements. Rather than operating at constant high speed, the pump speed is adjusted as a variable parameter to match the instantaneous flow demands, achieving optimal productivity while minimizing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system serves itself by using sensors to automatically detect the required flow rate and self-regulating the motor speed through feedback control. This eliminates the need for external intervention or oversized motors, allowing the system to operate efficiently at varying loads without wasting energy.
3Reliability
If pump speed is increased to remove debris effectively, then debris removal capability improves, but the risk of ventilation and blockages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates dynamically with variable speed control that adapts to debris conditions. When debris is detected or flow resistance increases, the system adjusts speed accordingly rather than maintaining constant high speed, preventing ventilation (air ingestion) and reducing the risk of blockages while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors monitor flow characteristics and provide feedback about debris presence and pump performance. The controller uses this feedback to adjust pump speed in real-time, preventing conditions that lead to ventilation and blockages while maintaining reliable debris removal. The feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing conditions and avoid harmful operating states.
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
The system ensures consistent water flow rates, reduces energy consumption, minimizes noise, and effectively removes debris and blockages, enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
a brushless DC motor to drive a pump in a washing machine
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is a pressure sensor that can sense the water pressure at multiple instants in the bowl and wherein the water pressure at an instant indicates the water level in the bowl
Implementation Method 3
a variable speed pump adapted to drain water from the bowl
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for pumping water from a bowl of a washing machine is provided. The pump includes a housing coupled to the bowl and a cover with an aperture. The housing and the cover define an interior in fluid communication with the bowl interior via the aperture. A filter filters water entering the interior via the aperture. The filter has a profiled wall defining a volute around the aperture, and a hood disposed above the wall. The profile of the hood perimeter substantially corresponding to the profiled wall to define a profiled space between the perimeter and the profiled wall. The profiled space allows water to enter the volute but substantially prevents elongated objects entering the volute.