Circulation Bubble Unit for Simultaneous Washer Water and Bubble Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines struggle to simultaneously perform a circulation function and a bubble function effectively, which limits the transfer of detergent water to laundry and compromises washing performance without damaging laundry surfaces or fibers.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a circulation bubble unit with a unique fluid path design, including a first fluid path for circulation and a second fluid path for bubble generation, utilizing a venturi effect to introduce air and create bubbles, while an electromagnetic control valve allows for selective operation of both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single circulating pump is used to selectively perform circulation function and bubble function, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously perform both functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single circulating pump is divided into two separate pumps: a circulation pump for water circulation and a bubble pump for bubble generation. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function while enabling simultaneous operation of both functions without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating pump chamber is designed with multi-functionality to serve both circulation and bubble generation purposes. The chamber structure includes a circulation pump chamber and a bubble pump chamber that can operate independently or together, allowing the system to adapt to different washing modes while using a unified pump housing.
2Productivity
If circulation function is performed to transfer detergent water to laundry, then washing efficiency is improved, but uniform infiltration of wash water throughout laundry is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Bubbles are introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate uniform distribution of detergent water. The bubble generating unit creates bubbles that rise through the laundry, carrying detergent water and enabling it to infiltrate uniformly throughout the laundry load, thereby complementing the circulation pump's water transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing air bubbles into the water-detergent mixture. The bubble pump draws air from the water tub and mixes it with detergent water to create bubbles, which then rise through the laundry to achieve uniform infiltration, combining hydraulic circulation with pneumatic distribution.
3Reliability
If bubble function is used to enhance washing power, then washing performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional bubble generating unit
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generating unit is merged with the circulation pump chamber, sharing the same housing and operational control system. The bubble pump and circulation pump operate within a unified chamber structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced washing performance through the addition of bubble generation capability.
4Productivity
If strong water circulation is applied to transfer detergent, then washing efficiency increases, but laundry surfaces and fibers may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Bubbles serve as a gentle intermediary that facilitates detergent water infiltration without the harsh mechanical action of strong water circulation. The bubbles rise through the laundry, allowing detergent water to penetrate surfaces and fibers softly, thereby maintaining washing efficiency while preventing damage to laundry surfaces and fibers.
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 enables effective transfer of detergent water to laundry, uniform infiltration of wash water, and enhanced washing performance without damaging laundry surfaces or fibers, by simultaneously utilizing the circulation and bubble functions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a venturi effect to introduce air and create bubbles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a washing machine (1) capable of realizing a circulation function and a bubble function at the same time. The washing machine (1) includes a main body (10), a tub (14) provided in the main body (10), a pump (30) provided to circulate wash water into the tub (14), and a circulation bubble unit (100) provided on a flowing route of the wash water flowing out from the pump (30), wherein the circulation bubble unit (100) is provided to be connected with the tub (14), and includes a first fluid path (210) provided so that some of the wash water flowing out from the pump (30) is circulated into the tub (14), and a second fluid path (220) provided to generate bubbles in the wash water using some of the wash water.