Valve for selecting or distributing fluids with a flushing agent channel on the outlet side
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid selection valves for washing machines and dishwashers face challenges in ensuring detergent is evenly distributed and remains inside the valve without active pumping, leading to reduced exposure time and incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The valve design includes a detergent channel in the output part, allowing detergent to be subjected to hydrostatic pressure, ensuring it is well-distributed within the valve and reservoir without complex line layouts, even when the pump is off, facilitating clean flushing of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cleaning agent connection is located on the underside of the valve in the preferred operating position, then the valve structure is simple and installation is easy, but the cleaning agent cannot be effectively distributed within the valve without active pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the cleaning agent distribution system by positioning the cleaning agent inlet at the top of the valve and utilizing gravity-driven vertical flow. This dimensional change allows the cleaning agent to reach all internal areas through hydrostatic pressure without requiring complex lateral routing or active pumping, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving distribution effectiveness.
2Productivity
If active pumping is used to introduce cleaning agent into the valve, then the cleaning agent can be distributed effectively, but the system complexity increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning agent distribution system where the cleaning agent inlet is positioned at the top of the valve, allowing the cleaning agent to distribute itself throughout the valve interior using hydrostatic pressure and gravity. This eliminates the need for external pumping mechanisms, reducing system complexity and energy consumption while maintaining effective distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by positioning the cleaning agent inlet at the top and allowing hydrostatic pressure to drive the cleaning agent through the valve interior. This passive hydraulic system replaces active mechanical pumping, achieving effective distribution without additional complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump is inactive, then energy consumption is reduced, but the cleaning agent is not constantly present in the valve leading to shorter contact time and incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the cleaning agent inlet at the top of the valve, creating a permanent reservoir that continuously supplies cleaning agent to all internal areas through hydrostatic pressure. This preliminary positioning ensures the cleaning agent is constantly present in the valve without requiring active pumping, maintaining prolonged contact time while minimizing 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
This design ensures effective distribution and retention of detergent within the valve, enhancing exposure time and enabling thorough cleaning of internal parts, even when the pump is inactive.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning agent is either not introduced into the valve by hydrostatic pressure or that a more complex pipe routing with bends is necessary
Data Source
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AI summary
Valve (11) for selecting liquids comprising - at least one inlet part (10), wherein at least two inlet channels (7) are provided in the at least one inlet part (10), and - at least one outlet part (9), wherein at least one outlet channel (6) is provided in the at least one outlet part (9), and - a rinsing agent reservoir (12), wherein the at least one inlet part (10) and the at least one outlet part (9) contact each other, at least partially sealing, in at least one contact plane (17) and wherein the at least one inlet part (10) is rotatably mounted relative to the at least one outlet part (9) about an imaginary axis of rotation,such that the at least one outlet channel (6) can be brought into communicative contact with one of the at least two inlet channels (7) or with at least one detergent outlet area (32) of the detergent reservoir (12) by rotating the at least one outlet part (9) relative to the at least one inlet part (10), wherein at least one detergent channel (8) is in communicative contact with the detergent reservoir (12), wherein the at least one detergent channel (8) is arranged in the at least one outlet part (9).