Rinse Spray Aperture Layout for Low-Water Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household washing machines face challenges in reducing water consumption during rinse cycles, as existing re-circulation systems require additional components like pumps and conduits, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A spray device with an array of apertures is positioned to disperse washing fluid in a specific pattern, creating first and second wetted regions on either side of a central axis, allowing for efficient wetting of the wash zone without the need for extensive re-circulation systems, using a fixed location to cover the entire wash zone effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If re-circulation systems with pumps and conduits are used, then water consumption is reduced, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of water re-circulation and delivers it through a simplified spray device with apertures, eliminating the need for complex pump and conduit systems while maintaining water conservation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The spray device uses the kinetic energy of water flowing through the apertures to create the spray pattern automatically, without requiring external pumps or mechanical assistance, thus simplifying the system
2Loss of substance
If re-circulation systems with pumps and conduits are used, then water consumption is reduced, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive pump and conduit components from the system, replacing them with a simple aperture-based spray device that is cheaper to manufacture while achieving the same water conservation goal
Solution Approach 2:
The spray device uses simple, inexpensive aperture structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, eliminating the need for costly pump assemblies and extensive conduit networks
3Reliability
If deep-fill process with large amount of water is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow into multiple directed spray streams through arrays of apertures, creating focused wetted regions that improve cleaning effectiveness while using less total water compared to bulk deep-fill methods
Solution Approach 2:
The spray device creates localized wetted regions where water is concentrated exactly where needed for cleaning, rather than filling the entire tub, thus improving cleaning efficiency while reducing overall water consumption
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 configuration reduces water consumption by ensuring thorough wetting with minimal water usage, typically requiring only 1 to 2 gallons per rinse cycle, while maintaining effective cleaning, and simplifies the appliance's construction by eliminating the need for complex re-circulation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The array of apertures is configured to eject the washing fluid in a spray pattern with spray streams that form a first wetted region and a second wetted region
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance for washing objects that employs a spray device for delivering a washing fluid, e.g., water, to a wash tub in the appliance. The spray device is configured to reduce consumption of the washing fluid such as during a rinse portion of a washing cycle. In one example, the spray device comprises a plurality of apertures that are arranged in one or more arrays. The apertures are configured to disperse the washing fluid as a plurality of spray streams that form a pair of wetted areas on either side the wash tub. The wetted areas provide wetting of the objects along the sides and extending from a front portion to a back portion of the wash tub.