Pump for a washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine pumps face issues with unreliable operation of discharge port opening and closing due to fluctuations in flow rate, water flow resistance, and presence of foreign matter like lint, leading to unintended flow paths and noise generation.
Innovation Solution
A pump system with a valve disk interlocked with the pump motor, utilizing planetary geartrains to control the opening and closing of discharge ports, and a rotatable ring gear to manage flow paths, reducing noise and impact during switching, and ensuring accurate operation even with foreign matter present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water flow resistance ribs are installed to prevent leakage through undesired flow paths, then flow path separation is improved, but flow rate leakage still occurs when impeller rotation speed is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable valve body that can dynamically change its position to block undesired flow paths. Unlike static water flow resistance ribs, the valve body actively moves to seal the bypass passage when the impeller rotates at high speed, preventing leakage while maintaining flow path separation at lower speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body acts as an intermediary element between the impeller and the discharge ports. It mediates the flow control by selectively blocking the bypass passage based on impeller rotation speed, thereby preventing direct leakage while allowing water to flow through the intended path.
2Extent of automation
If opening/closing means is operated by water flow pressure to selectively open/close discharge ports, then automatic flow path switching is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to flow rate fluctuation, water flow resistance, and foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water pressure-based automatic opening/closing mechanism with a motor-driven valve body. The motor directly controls the valve body's movement, eliminating the unreliability caused by water flow pressure fluctuations and foreign matter interference in the original mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to be driven by the impeller's rotation through a gear mechanism, making the system self-controlling. As the impeller rotates, it automatically drives the valve body to the appropriate position without requiring external control signals or complex sensing systems.
3Productivity
If impeller rotation speed is increased to improve pumping performance, then productivity is improved, but flow path leakage increases despite water flow resistance ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body dynamically adjusts its position in response to impeller rotation speed. At low speeds, it remains open allowing normal flow; at high speeds, it automatically moves to block the bypass passage, preventing leakage while maintaining high pumping performance.
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 precise control of discharge ports, reduces noise, and enhances durability by minimizing impact during flow path switching, maintaining accurate operation regardless of water flow conditions and foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
A planetary geartrains for accelerating the rotation of the pump motor and transmitting the accelerated rotation to the impeller is provided. The planetary geartrains includes a sun gear, a carrier, a pinion gear, and a ring gear.
Implementation Method 2
The valve disc is rotated together with the ring gear. The valve disc opens/closes the first discharge port or the second discharge port according to the rotation position.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A pump (100) comprising: a pump housing (110) having an inflow port (111), a first discharge port (112), and a second discharge port (114); a pump motor (120) for providing a rotational force; an impeller (170) that is disposed in the pump housing (110) and pumps water introduced through the inflow port (111); a planetary gear train (140) comprising a carrier (141) connected to a rotation axis of the pump motor (120), a sun gear (142) connected to the impeller (170), a pinion gear (143) rotatably installed in the carrier (141) and engaged with the sun gear (142), and a ring gear (144) engaged with the pinion gear (143); and a valve disc (130) that is rotatably provided integrally with the ring gear (144) in the pump housing (110), closes the first discharge port (112) and opens the second discharge port (114) in a first rotation position, and opens the first discharge port (112) and close the second discharge port (114) in a second rotation position.