Rotatable Nozzle Water Supply for Quieter Washing Machine Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing water supply apparatus for washing machines has a complex structure and generates resonance noise due to the use of solenoid valves and multiple rubber hoses, making it bulky and inefficient in supplying water to detergent channels.
Innovation Solution
A water supply apparatus with a rotatable nozzle connected to a drive unit and a rotation control device, which simplifies the structure by using fewer hoses and allows selective water supply to multiple detergent channels through a single water supply pipe, reducing the size and complexity of the detergent supply apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid valves and multiple rubber hoses are used to supply water to detergent channels, then water supply function is achieved, but device complexity and structure become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate water supply hoses are merged into a single hose that branches internally. The patent describes 'a single water supply hose that branches into multiple channels' where 'water supplied through the single water supply hose is supplied to all of the plural channels'. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to supply water to multiple detergent channels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A single water supply hose is designed to perform multiple functions by serving all detergent channels through internal branching. The hose acts as both a unified supply line and as multiple distributed channels, eliminating the need for separate hoses for each detergent type while ensuring reliable water delivery to all channels.
2Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to control water supply to detergent channels, then selective water supply is achieved, but resonance noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solenoid valves with a mechanical rotation-based selection system. A rotation member with multiple positions selectively opens different branches of the water supply hose through mechanical movement rather than electromagnetic actuation. This substitution eliminates the resonance noise generated by solenoid valves while maintaining selective water supply capability through positional control.
3Reliability
If multiple rubber hoses and solenoid valves are used, then water supply to multiple channels is achieved, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate hoses are combined into a single integrated water supply hose with internal branching. The patent specifies 'a single water supply hose that branches into multiple channels', which significantly reduces the space required for hose routing and installation while maintaining the capability to supply water to all detergent channels simultaneously.
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 reduces the number of hoses, simplifies the structure, and effectively supplies warm and cold water to all detergent channels, minimizing noise and space requirements within the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable nozzle for selectively supplying water to the plural channels
Implementation Method 2
a drive unit for generating drive force to rotate the nozzle, and a rotation control device for controlling rotation of the drive unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a water supply apparatus for washing machines having a simplified structure. The water supply apparatus is usable in a washing machine, which has a drum to accommodate laundry, and a detergent supply apparatus including a dispenser provided with a plurality of channels to supply water to a plurality of detergents to be supplied to the drum, and includes at least one water supply pipe extending from the rear portion of the washing machine to the detergent supply apparatus to supply water to the dispenser, a nozzle provided with one end connected to the at least one water supply pipe and the other end disposed adjacent to entrances of the plurality of channels, and being rotatable to supply water selectively to one of the plurality of channels, a drive unit generating drive force to rotate the nozzle, and a rotation control device to control rotation of the drive unit.