Washing Machine Circulation Pump Mixing for Multi-Component Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require additional components and increased costs to mix concentrated multi-component detergents effectively, which is not efficiently addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a circulation pump as a mixing chamber, operating at varying speeds to mix and dilute detergent components within the washing machine, allowing for in-situ generation of active substances like bleaching agents without the need for a separate mixing chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate mixing chamber is added to mix concentrated detergent components, then the mixing function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the fluid circulation pump and the mixing chamber. By operating at reduced speed, it creates turbulent flow that mixes concentrated detergent components, eliminating the need for a separate mixing device while maintaining all original pumping functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mixing function with the existing circulation pump structure. The pump housing and internal flow paths are utilized as the mixing chamber, merging two functions (circulation and mixing) into a single component to reduce device complexity and cost
2Productivity
If concentrated detergent components are mixed in a separate chamber, then the mixing efficiency is improved, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump serves itself by using its own operation to create the mixing action. The turbulent flow generated during reduced-speed operation automatically mixes the concentrated detergent components within the pump, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment and reducing overall system cost and space requirements
3Speed
If the circulation pump operates at high speed during detergent feeding, then the circulation efficiency is improved, but the mixing process is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates dynamically at two different speed levels depending on the process stage: reduced speed during detergent feeding to create turbulent mixing flow, and normal/high speed during the wash cycle for efficient water circulation. This dynamic speed adjustment optimizes both mixing quality and circulation efficiency at different times
4Productivity
If concentrated detergent mixture is applied directly to laundry, then the detergent yield is improved, but the risk of high concentration damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrated detergent components are mixed in advance within the circulation pump to generate active substances, then the mixture is circulated through the wash water before contacting the laundry. This preliminary mixing and circulation action allows controlled dilution in the wash water, maintaining high detergent yield while preventing direct exposure of laundry to undiluted concentrated detergent
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 approach allows flexible adaptation to different washing machines, reduces costs, and ensures safe and effective mixing and dilution of detergent components, enhancing the yield of active substances while preventing high detergent concentrations on laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation device having a circulation pump for conveying the washing liquid from a first area of the tub to a second area of the tub
Implementation Method 2
the circulation pump is operated during and/or after the at least two detergent components are fed in at a speed below a delivery speed at which the washing liquid from the first region of the tub in is conveyed to the second area of the tub, and in which the circulation pump is then operated at a speed equal to or above the conveying speed. By operating the circulation pump during and/or after feeding in the at least two detergent components at a speed below the delivery speed, a mixing process is brought about
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine, and a corresponding washing machine, with a tub for holding washing liquid and a circulation device having a circulation pump for conveying the washing liquid from a first area of the tub to a second area of the tub, in which at least two detergents - Components from one or more dosing devices are fed into the circulation pump in a predetermined dosage, and in which the circulation pump is operated during and/or after the at least two detergent components are fed in at a speed below a delivery speed at which the washing liquid runs out the first area of the tub is funded in the second area of the tub, and is then operated at a speed equal to or above the delivery speed.