Rotary Valve Bubble Generator for Low-Resistance Washer Water Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bubble generators in washers require significant force to supply a target amount of washing water due to high flow path resistance, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A bubble generator design with a valve device that adjusts the flow path resistance by forming an orifice portion with a decreasing passage width from the first port to the third port, allowing for efficient bubble generation and water supply with reduced force, using a housing with embossed surfaces and protrusions to minimize leakage and optimize flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional bubble generator structure is used, then bubble generation function is provided, but high flow path resistance requires significant force to supply target amount of washing water
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is rotatably installed and can change the flow path configuration by rotating to different angles. The actuator rotates the valve device to switch between bubble generation mode (where the orifice portion is formed) and water supply mode (where the circulation flow path is formed), dynamically adapting the flow path resistance to the operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device changes the flow path parameters by rotating to different positions. In bubble generation mode, the valve forms an orifice portion with decreasing passage width that increases resistance for bubble formation. In water supply mode, the valve forms a circulation flow path with reduced resistance to enable efficient water supply with minimal force.
2Force
If the passage width of orifice portion is increased, then water supply force is reduced, but bubble generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device dynamically adjusts the flow path configuration based on operational mode. During bubble generation, the valve position creates an orifice with optimized decreasing passage width that maintains efficient bubble formation. During water supply, the same valve rotates to create a circulation flow path that minimizes resistance, allowing large passage width without compromising bubble generation performance.
3Productivity
If the valve device is added to control flow paths, then flow path resistance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device serves multiple functions: it controls the flow path configuration, forms the orifice portion for bubble generation, creates the circulation flow path for water supply, and prevents water from flowing directly from the first port to the second port. The actuator provides rotational actuation to switch between these modes, consolidating multiple control functions into a single mechanical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device combines multiple flow control functions into a single component structure. The same valve body that controls flow paths also forms the orifice portion through its positioning relative to the housing. The embossed surfaces and protrusions on the housing work together with the valve to create both the orifice and circulation path configurations, merging structural elements with flow control functions.
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 solution enables the washer to supply washing water with sufficient strength for bubble generation using a small force, reducing energy consumption and material costs while maintaining effective washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
washing water introduced through the first port may be converted into bubbles, and the bubbles may be discharged through the third port
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to suck washing water from the tub and supply the sucked washing water to the bubble generator
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing comprising a first port connected to a pump, a second port connected to a drum, and a third port connected to a tub; a valve device comprising a valve rotatably installed in the housing and configured to open or close a passage between the first port and the third port and, based on the passage between the first port and the third port being opened, and to form an orifice part having a passage width decreasing toward the third port from the first port in the housing; and an actuator configured to control the rotation angle of the valve device.