Washing Machine Soft Water Line Layout to Prevent Drum Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines, the corrosive residual water produced during the regeneration and rinsing processes of the ion exchanger can damage the metal drum, as existing solutions fail to prevent contact between the residual water and the drum effectively.
Innovation Solution
A soft water line connects the ion exchanger to the tub above the discharge hole level, directing residual water to the tub's gap between the tub and drum, and a discharge mechanism ensures this water is discharged without contacting the drum, using a pump and float to manage the flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge line is connected below the tub to discharge residual water, then the residual water can be discharged effectively, but the drum is damaged by corrosive residual water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by routing the soft water line through the tub wall at a specific height above the discharge hole, creating a three-dimensional water delivery path that bypasses the harmful zone near the drum while maintaining discharge functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by delivering soft water to a specific localized area (the gap between tub and drum) rather than uniformly throughout, ensuring that corrosive residual water is directed away from the drum surface while still achieving effective discharge
2Ease of operation
If the soft water line is connected below the discharge hole level, then the residual water can be discharged, but the drum is exposed to corrosive water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the soft water line inlet opening above the discharge hole level before the corrosive residual water can reach the drum, proactively preventing contact between the harmful water and the metal drum surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the gap between the tub and drum as an intermediary space, directing corrosive residual water through this intermediate zone rather than allowing direct contact with the drum, thereby protecting the drum while maintaining discharge functionality
3Loss of substance
If the float closes the discharge hole to prevent detergent wastage, then detergent is preserved, but soft water cannot enter the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water delivery function by separating the soft water inlet (through the tub wall at a higher level) from the discharge hole controlled by the float, allowing independent operation of detergent preservation and soft water delivery functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for soft water delivery by routing the line through the tub wall at a height above the discharge hole, creating an alternative water entry path that operates independently of the float-controlled discharge mechanism
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
Prevents corrosive residual water from damaging the metal drum by ensuring it does not contact the drum during regeneration and rinsing processes, effectively protecting the drum from corrosion and rusting.
Implementation Method 1
The water softening device comprises an ion exchanger and a salt container that provides the regeneration process
Implementation Method 2
a pump (5) providing the water in the tub (2) to be discharged
Implementation Method 3
the float (7) opens, closes the discharge hole (4) with the pressure of water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2), a drum (3) which rotates inside the tub (2) and wherein the laundry is placed, a discharge hole (4) disposed under the tub (2) and that provides the water to be discharged, a pump (5) providing the water in the tub (2) to be discharged, a hose (6) that provides the water in the tub (2) to be delivered to the pump (5) by connecting one end to the discharge hole (4) and the other to the pump (5), a ball shaped float (7) disposed in the hose (6) that opens and closes the discharge hole (4) with the pressure of water and a water softening device (10) that provides the water received from the outside to be softened for the washing process, having an ion exchanger (8) and a salt container (9) providing to perform the regeneration process by keeping the resin in the ion exchanger (8) in salty water in the regeneration process. A soft water line (11) is connected to the lower side of the tub (2) so as to be above the discharge hole (4) level and below the lowermost point of the drum (3).