Washing machine and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in dissolving detergent effectively, leading to reduced washing performance and laundry contamination due to inadequate detergent concentration and uneven water distribution, especially when using circulation pumps that require additional devices and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a volute pump that rotates in both forward and backward directions, controlling the impeller speed and direction to dissolve detergent uniformly without additional devices, ensuring high concentration wash water and preventing undissolved detergent from reaching laundry, while agitating water for sufficient circulation periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is supplied with detergent in an initial washing stage to soak part of the drum, then detergent dissolution is enabled, but water concentration cannot exceed a certain value and more water must be supplied to compensate for absorption, reducing detergent concentration further
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates before the main washing cycle to dissolve detergent in a concentrated solution. The pump circulates water through the drum and back, creating a preliminary high-concentration wash water reservoir that is then used for the actual washing process, avoiding the need to dilute with additional water during the main cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump speed is varied to control the water circulation rate and detergent dissolution efficiency. By adjusting pump speed parameters, the system optimizes detergent concentration in the wash water without requiring additional water supply control mechanisms
2Productivity
If the circulation pump rotates at high speed to spray circulating water into the drum, then water circulation is improved, but wash water cannot be agitated sufficiently in one circulation period
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates in periodic cycles with alternating high-speed and low-speed phases. During high-speed phases, water is circulated rapidly through the drum; during low-speed phases, the water is agitated and mixed thoroughly. This periodic variation ensures both high productivity and sufficient agitation time within each complete circulation period
3Quantity of substance
If a circulation pump with multiple outlet ports and partition walls is used to dissolve detergent, then detergent dissolution is improved, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it circulates water through the drum, agitates wash water for detergent dissolution, and distributes water uniformly. By making the pump multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dissolution chambers, partition walls, and multiple outlet ports, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective detergent dissolution
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 solution enables efficient detergent dissolution, improving washing performance, preventing contamination, and maintaining high detergent concentration without additional equipment, even at increased pump speeds, thus enhancing the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
a volute pump having an impeller for pumping water discharged from the tub and a pump housing with a volute-shaped passage formed therein, the passage along which the water pumped by the impeller is guided
Implementation Method 2
the volute pump is configured to rotate the impeller in two directions and to discharge a larger amount of water when the impeller rotates in a forward direction than when the impeller rotates in a backward direction
Implementation Method 3
wash water cannot be agitated in the circulation pump by the impeller for an enough time in one circulation period
Implementation Method 4
a circulation pump capable of rotating forward and backward... the circulating water does not flow into the drum but reaches only a concave space provided in the lower side of the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a washing machine, and a corresponding washing machine, which includes: a drum (32) rotatably provided in a tub (31) for containing water; a volute pump (90) configured to pump water discharged from the tub (31); and a circulating water supply device configured to supply water discharged from an outlet port (912) of the volute pump (90) into the drum (32), wherein the volute pump (90) is capable of rotating in two directions and discharges a larger amount of water when rotating in a forward direction than when rotating in a backward direction. The method includes: a step of supplying water into the tub with detergent; and a step of rotating the volute pump in the backward direction.