Washing Machine Additive Tip Using Cover Fluid Against Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine conduits and outlets often clog due to the drying of fluid additives, leading to obstructed fluid flow and requiring costly maintenance, with previous solutions like check valves also prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A tip structure is introduced within the washing machine that receives a cover fluid to deter evaporation of fluid additives in the conduit, maintaining fluid additives in a liquid state by segregating them from the atmosphere and preventing clog formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fluid additive is stored in the conduit and outlet for extended periods, then the bulk dispensing system can serve multiple wash cycles, but the fluid additive dries and forms films that clog the outlet and conduit
Solution Approach 1:
A cover fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that contacts the fluid additive in the conduit. The cover fluid has lower volatility than the fluid additive, creating a vapor barrier that prevents the fluid additive from drying and forming clogs during extended storage periods
2Ease of operation
If a check valve is installed in the conduit to limit flow of fluid additive, then flow control is improved, but the valve seals in a manner that allows residue to build and block flow or seal the valve shut
Solution Approach 1:
The cover fluid acts as a mediator between the fluid additive and the valve mechanism. By preventing the fluid additive from drying and forming residue, the cover fluid eliminates the root cause of valve clogging while maintaining flow control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic drying function from the system by introducing a cover fluid that specifically prevents evaporation. This separates the flow control function (handled by the valve) from the drying prevention function (handled by the cover fluid), allowing each to operate independently without interfering with the other
3Productivity
If the outlet and conduit remain free of clogs through proper functioning, then continuous operation is maintained, but service calls and maintenance are required when clogs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cover fluid is introduced in advance to prevent clog formation before it occurs. By continuously maintaining the fluid additive in a non-drying state through the vapor barrier, the system proactively prevents the need for future maintenance interventions
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 effectively prevents clogging and obstructive drying of fluid additives, ensuring continuous operation without the need for valves, thereby reducing maintenance costs and service calls.
Implementation Method 1
The tip is configured for receiving a cover fluid during operation of the washing machine appliance in order to deter evaporation of fluid additive in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided with features for preventing fluid additive drying in a conduit of the appliance. The appliance includes a tip configured for receipt of a cover fluid. The cover fluid is disposed within the tip such that the cover fluid deters evaporation of fluid additive in the conduit.