Wash Liquid Selector With Self-Cleaning Filter Flow Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wash liquid selectors for household washing machines are complex and lack flexibility, requiring additional valves and pipes for filtering and redirecting wash liquid, which increases system complexity and reduces efficiency in water and power consumption savings.
Innovation Solution
A selector with a filter that allows liquid to circulate in crossed flows and opposite directions, enabling quick automatic cleaning and distribution of reusable wash liquid to multiple user apparatuses without complex hydraulic systems, using a discoidal diverter element and solenoid valves to manage fluid flow between different outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a selector is designed to distribute wash liquid to multiple user apparatuses, then the versatility and functionality of the hydraulic circuit is improved, but the structural complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selector body is designed as a multi-functional distribution hub with multiple outlets (first outlet to drain, second outlet to tank, third outlet to recirculation line) that can handle various wash liquid distribution tasks. The single selector device performs the functions of multiple valves by using rotatable diverter elements that can direct flow to different outlets based on operational requirements, thereby reducing the total number of components needed in the hydraulic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector incorporates multiple independent rotatable diverter elements (first diverter element, second diverter element) that can operate independently to control flow to different outlets. Each diverter element is segmented to control specific flow paths, allowing precise control of wash liquid distribution to multiple user apparatuses while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional valves and pipes are added to enable filtering and redirecting of wash liquid, then the filtering and flow control capability is improved, but the system complexity increases and efficiency of water and power savings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is integrated directly into the selector body, with the selector and filter forming a unified component assembly. The rotatable diverter elements can redirect wash liquid through the filter in either direction (from inlet to outlet or from outlet to inlet), eliminating the need for separate filtering valves and pipes. This merging of functions allows comprehensive flow control and filtering capability while maintaining a compact system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow distribution hub, a filtering system, and a flow direction controller. The same rotatable diverter elements that control flow to different outlets also control the flow through the filter, allowing the system to handle filtering and redistribution tasks with a single integrated component rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Device complexity
If the selector uses a simple discoidal diverter element like in prior art, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the flexibility of use and functional capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single simple diverter element, the invention employs multiple rotatable diverter elements (first and second diverter elements) that can independently control flow to different outlets. Each diverter element is rotatable about the same axis and can be positioned to direct flow to specific outlets, providing fine-grained control over wash liquid distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure centered on a common rotation axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter elements are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of flow paths based on operational requirements. The rotatable diverter elements can be rotated to different angular positions to direct wash liquid to different outlets or to route flow through the filter in either direction, providing operational flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a common rotation axis for all diverters.
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 solution simplifies the hydraulic circuit, reduces the number of valves and pipes, and allows for efficient reuse of wash liquid, enhancing water and power savings while maintaining system flexibility and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first solenoid valve (20A) connected to a first water supply main (2A) and adapted to open and close a first fluid passage leading from the first water supply main (2A) to the tub (3)
Implementation Method 2
a pump (5) having a suction end connected to the tub (3) and a delivery end connected to a selector (6)
Implementation Method 3
the selector (6) is associated with a filter (10) in which the liquid can circulate with crossed flows and even in opposite directions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid selector (6) for laundry washing machines, dishwashers and the like, wherein one inlet (61,62) and a plurality of outlets (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69) for the liquid are selectively placed in communication by means of diverter discs (12, 14) arranged along the liquid path, each comprising apertures (12A, 12B; 14A, 14B) for the passage of the liquid, a filter (10) associated with the liquid selector (6) can be crossed by opposed liquid flows depending on the orientation of the diverter disc (12, 14) so that it can be cleaned without having to be removed.