Self-cleaning drum washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines fail to effectively clean the dirt accumulated on the outer and inner walls of the tubs, leading to secondary pollution during the washing process, and existing solutions either require manual installation, cannot reach the bottom areas, or are hindered by complex structures that trap or damage cleaning particles.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning drum washing machine design featuring a smooth structure between the drum and outer tub, with a flange at the bottom and a sealing plate, and a heating tube chamber with a cover plate, allowing cleaning particles to effectively clean the surfaces without forming blind corners and protecting the heating tube and particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex flange structure with multiple corners is used at the bottom of the drum, then the structural strength is improved, but cleaning particles are trapped and damaged, and dirt accumulates in the corners
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure is segmented into multiple smooth弧形 surfaces instead of sharp corners, creating distinct zones that guide cleaning particles to flow smoothly without trapping. The flange is divided into several弧形 segments that collectively provide structural support while maintaining particle flow pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The flange corners are replaced with curved surfaces and rounded transitions. The弧形 design eliminates sharp edges where particles would be trapped or damaged, creating smooth flow paths that maintain particle integrity while providing structural reinforcement
2Device complexity
If manual installation and removal of cleaning devices is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and bottom areas cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is merged with the drum structure itself, with cleaning particles integrated into the space between the drum and outer tub. This combination eliminates the need for separate manually installable components while enabling comprehensive cleaning coverage including bottom areas
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates automatically during the washing cycle, with cleaning particles continuously circulating between the drum and outer tub without requiring manual installation or removal. The system serves itself by utilizing the existing drum rotation to distribute and redistribute cleaning particles
3Device complexity
If simple water flowing and scouring with drum rotation is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient to remove deposited dirt
Solution Approach 1:
Cleaning particles are introduced as an intermediary medium between the drum and outer tub. These particles act as a mechanical abrasive that enhances the cleaning action of water flow and drum rotation, enabling effective removal of deposited dirt while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system utilizes the dynamic motion of the rotating drum to continuously move and redistribute cleaning particles between the drum and outer tub. This dynamic particle circulation creates varying cleaning forces that effectively remove stubborn deposits without requiring complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms
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 smooth structure prevents dirt adhesion, allows thorough cleaning of tub surfaces, prevents secondary contamination, and protects the heating tube and cleaning particles, ensuring efficient and hygienic operation without the need to detach drum members.
Implementation Method 1
The outer tub 9 is provided with a heating tube 17
Implementation Method 2
the clean particles continue rubbing the outer wall of the drum and the inner wall of the outer tub
Implementation Method 3
cleaning particles to effectively clean the surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning drum washing machine, comprises a coaxial drum and outer tub. Cleaning particles are arranged between the drum and the outer tub. Structures between the drum and the outer tub opposite to each other are smooth. A flange is fixedly connected to the bottom of the drum; the outer portion of the flange has a smooth structure or an enclosed cavity is arranged on the outer portion of the drum bottom; the flange is arranged in the cavity; a shaft hole is arranged at the center of the cavity; and a drum shaft sticks into the cavity through the shaft hole and is connected to the flange. The smooth structures go against the attachment of dirt, so that the outer wall of the drum and the inner wall of the outer tub can be conveniently cleaned by the cleaning particles.