Top Load Washing Machine Dual-Path Drainage for Holeless Rotating Tub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Top load washing machines with holeless rotating tubs face challenges in water drainage, storage, and circulation, leading to inefficiencies in water usage, maintenance, and operational issues such as leakage, clogging, and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A top load washing machine design featuring a holeless rotating tub with an independent drain path system, including multiple drain holes and a circulation path that allows for efficient water storage and drainage, and a pulsator with strategically placed water-passage holes to enhance water circulation and lint collection, while maintaining a compact size and reducing water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dehydrating holes are formed over a wide range in the wall of the washing and dehydrating tub, then water drainage efficiency is improved, but structural integrity and reliability deteriorate due to potential leakage and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drainage function into two separate systems: the washing and dehydrating tub maintains structural integrity while the water collecting tub handles drainage through strategically placed drain holes. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the washing and dehydrating tub by implementing a separate water collecting tub with drain holes. This removes the harmful effect of having holes in the rotating tub while preserving the drainage capability through the stationary water collecting tub.
2Reliability
If a holeless washing and dehydrating tub is used, then reliability is improved by preventing leakage, but water drainage capability worsens without dehydrating holes
Solution Approach 1:
The water collecting tub serves as an intermediary between the holeless washing and dehydrating tub and the drainage system. It receives water from the rotating tub and facilitates drainage through its own drain holes, mediating the conflict between maintaining a holeless rotating tub and achieving effective drainage.
3Quantity of substance
If water is collected in the space between the washing and dehydrating tub and the storage tank, then water storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circulation paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water collection function into the existing water collecting tub structure, combining water storage and drainage functions in a single component. This reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate circulation paths for each function.
4Productivity
If the washing and dehydrating tub rotates at high speed to cause water to overflow, then water drainage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the drainage path in advance by positioning the water collecting tub with drain holes at the appropriate location. This preliminary arrangement allows water to drain efficiently through gravity and pressure differential without requiring excessive rotation speed, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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 design enables effective water management, reducing water consumption by up to 30%, improving washing performance, and enhancing maintenance by preventing clogging and leakage, while maintaining a compact size and efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
the washing and dehydrating tub rotates at high speed to cause water to overflow through the opening
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump for circulating washing water, etc. are installed
Implementation Method 3
a heater for heating water is installed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~5
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a top load washing machine having excellent functions while saving water. The washing machine may include a housing having a drain path installed at the bottom, a water collecting tub supported on the housing in the inside of the housing, and a rotating tub rotating on a shaft extending vertically in the inside of the water collecting tub. The rotating tub may include an outlet opening to the lower portion of a body member that can store water independently from the water collecting tub. The water collecting tub may include a first drain hole opening to the inside space of the water collecting tub, and a second drain hole communicating with the outlet. The drain path may include a first path connected to the first drain hole, and a second path connected to the second drain hole.