Laundry Suds Deflection Element for Clog-Resistant Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry care appliances with pump-over systems often become clogged due to deposits of dirt and impurities, which disrupt the effective circulation of washing suds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deflection element with a specific geometry and positioning within the pumping system to deflect washing suds without narrowing the insertion opening, preventing clogging and ensuring efficient circulation and distribution of washing suds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the insertion opening is narrowed to improve spray distribution, then the washing suds can be sprayed more effectively into the tub, but the insertion opening becomes clogged by impurities in the washing suds
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection element divides the single jet of washing suds into multiple smaller streams or droplets, creating a distributed spray pattern without narrowing the insertion opening. This segmentation allows effective coverage while maintaining adequate flow passage dimensions that resist clogging by impurities
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection element acts as an intermediary component positioned between the insertion opening and the tub interior. It receives the washing suds jet and redirects it into the tub, providing the spray distribution function without requiring modification of the insertion opening geometry, thus preventing clogging
2Productivity
If a pump-around system is implemented to circulate washing suds, then water efficiency is improved, but impurities deposit at specific points and clog the pumping system
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection element is positioned at a distance from the insertion opening, extracting the spray function from the immediate vicinity of the opening. This creates a clear passage between the insertion opening and deflection element where impurities can pass through without depositing and clogging the system
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection element changes the flow parameters of the washing suds by deflecting the jet at specific angles and creating dispersion. This parameter change from a concentrated jet to a dispersed spray occurs downstream, allowing the insertion opening to maintain its dimensions and resist clogging while still achieving effective distribution
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 deflection element effectively prevents clogging, ensures reliable operation of the pumping system, and achieves efficient wetting of laundry by distributing washing suds as a mist, maintaining system functionality throughout its service life.
Implementation Method 1
the jet of washing suds strikes the deflection area, the jet of washing suds is deflected by the deflection area into the tub
Implementation Method 2
When the jet of washing lye strikes the deflection area, strong shearing forces arise in the washing lye, as a result of which the jet of washing lye is divided into a large number of drops of washing lye
Implementation Method 3
a pump for pumping washing suds from the outflow opening through the line into the insertion opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry care appliance (100) having a recirculating pump system (105), comprising an outer tub (107) for receiving washing lye, the outer tub (107) having an inlet opening (109) and a discharge opening (111), a line (113) connecting the inlet opening (109) to the discharge opening (111), and a pump (115) for pumping washing lye from the discharge opening (111) into the inlet opening (109) via the line (113). The recirculating pump system (105) comprises a deflection element (117) having a deflection region (119) for deflecting washing lye that has been pumped out of the inlet opening (109) into the outer tub(107).