Self-Cleaning Wash Water Filter for Washing Machine Reuse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines consume significant water resources due to multiple rinsing cycles, and existing water recycling systems are complex, large, and lack effective self-cleaning mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies and blockages.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a self-cleaning mechanism that utilizes the inlet water flow to rotate and wash a cylindrical filter frame, featuring a spray head that deviates from the axis to drive rotation and scour the filter screen, along with a flocculation device for water treatment and reuse, simplifying the structure and enhancing water recycling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a water storage tank and water pump are installed to enable water recycling, then water-saving function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus is integrated directly into the washing machine's water outlet structure, merging the filtration function with the existing water discharge system. This eliminates the need for separate water storage tanks and pumps, achieving water recycling while maintaining a simple structure and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter apparatus includes a self-cleaning mechanism that automatically cleans the filter screen using the water flow from the washing machine itself. This self-service cleaning function eliminates the need for manual maintenance and additional cleaning components, reducing structural complexity while ensuring continuous water recycling operation.
2Productivity
If a filter apparatus is installed to purify wash water, then water recycling efficiency improves, but the filter screen becomes blocked after long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus utilizes the water flow from the washing machine to automatically clean the filter screen through a self-cleaning mechanism. This continuous self-cleaning prevents lint and debris accumulation, maintaining filter permeability and ensuring reliable water recycling operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-cleaning mechanism operates periodically or continuously using the water flow cycles of the washing machine. During rinsing phases, the water flow automatically flushes and cleans the filter screen, ensuring it remains free from blockages and maintains high water recycling efficiency throughout operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple rinsing cycles are performed to rinse out stains and detergents, then cleaning quality improves, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus recovers and reuses the wash water from the washing machine's drainage. By filtering and recycling this water, the system enables multiple rinsing cycles to be performed with the same water volume, maintaining high cleaning quality while dramatically reducing water consumption compared to traditional single-use water systems.
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 maximum water savings by completing the washing process with a single water injection, automating the cleaning process, and preventing filter blockages, thus increasing energy efficiency and reducing manual maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a self-cleaning mechanism utilizing an inlet water flow to drive the filter mechanism to rotate and to spray and wash the filter mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the spray direction of the spray head is configured to deviate from the axis of the filter mechanism and tilt to a rotation circumferential surface of the filter mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a filter apparatus for recycling water of the washing machine with self-cleaning function
Implementation Method 4
a washing machine with the filter apparatus for recycling water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A filter apparatus (1) for recycling water of a washing machine having a self-cleaning function and the washing machine are disclosed. The apparatus includes a filter container (11) and a filter mechanism (12), wherein the filter mechanism (12) is rotatably arranged inside the filter container (11), and the filter apparatus further includes a self-cleaning mechanism utilizing the inlet water flow to drive the filter mechanism (12) to rotate and to spray and wash the filter mechanism (12). The washing machine includes an outer drum (2); the outer drum (2), a flocculation device (4), the filter apparatus (12) and the outer drum (2) are sequentially and circularly communicated with one another through a pipeline (3), wherein the flocculation device (4) includes a flocculation container (41) communicated with the outer drum (2) and a flocculant dispenser (5) for dispensing flocculants into the flocculation container (41), and water is discharged from the outer drum (2) into the flocculation container (41) to be flocculated; and the filter apparatus includes a filter container (11) and a filter mechanism (12) arranged inside the filter container (11), the filter container (11) is respectively communicated with the flocculation container (41) and the outer drum (2), and the flocculated water in the flocculation container (41) is filtered by the filter mechanism (12) and is then discharged into the outer drum (2) to be reused. The automation degree is increased, the structure is simple, and energy consumption can be saved.