Steam Washing Drum Pre-Spin for Low-Water Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face challenges in optimizing cleaning performance while efficiently using natural resources like water and fossil fuels, as traditional methods often require excessive water and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine that involves introducing liquid into a drum, spinning and recirculating it to achieve a specific fabric load to liquid weight ratio, followed by the introduction of steam for heating, optimizing energy use and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional immersion heater is used to heat wash liquid, then heating function is achieved, but water consumption increases and heating time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the immersion heater system and implements it separately through a steam generator. The steam generator produces steam that is injected into the wash liquid, separating the heating mechanism from the water volume requirement and enabling efficient heating with reduced water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to steam through the steam generator. By converting water to steam and injecting it into the wash liquid, the system achieves rapid heating with minimal water volume, as the phase change process releases latent heat efficiently.
2Quantity of substance
If steam generator is used to heat wash liquid, then water consumption is reduced, but cleaning performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary mechanical action through drum rotation and fabric flexing before and during the steam heating process. This preliminary mechanical agitation ensures proper distribution of the wash liquid and steam contact with fabric, maintaining cleaning effectiveness even with reduced water volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by combining steam injection with ongoing drum rotation and liquid recirculation. This continuous combination of thermal and mechanical energy input ensures sustained cleaning performance throughout the wash cycle, preventing any compromise despite reduced water consumption.
3Reliability
If optimal cleaning performance is achieved through optimized energy inputs, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but resource usage efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heating process by using steam injection instead of immersion heating. This parameter change allows for more efficient energy transfer to the wash liquid, achieving optimal cleaning performance while reducing overall energy consumption through faster heating times and reduced thermal mass requirements.
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
This method reduces water and energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning performance by using a controlled amount of liquid and steam, enhancing the balance between energy inputs and resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
Steam can be injected into the sump of the washing machine or directly into the tub or perforated drum rotatably mounted in the tub to heat the wash liquid
Implementation Method 2
Steam can be injected into the sump of the washing machine or directly into the tub or perforated drum rotatably mounted in the tub to heat the wash liquid
Implementation Method 3
spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum
Implementation Method 4
The method can further comprise recirculating the liquid between the tub and the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.