Washing Machine Water Circuit Venting Against Siphon Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with a washing or rinsing water tank face the issue of water siphoning back into the machine, preventing partial water drainage and requiring modifications to the hydraulic water distribution circuit to prevent this phenomenon.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an air passage opening in the hydraulic water distribution circuit between the washing or rinsing water tank and the washing machine tub, allowing air to enter and preventing water from returning by siphoning, while also enabling filling and emptying of the water tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic water distribution circuit is provided with a high point above the maximum water level, then water return by siphoning is prevented, but partial drainage of water is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is segmented into two separate circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for water supply and drainage operations, and a second hydraulic circuit for air supply. This segmentation allows the water circuit to maintain its high point for siphoning prevention while the separate air circuit enables partial drainage by providing air pressure to push water out, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing water return and enabling partial drainage
Solution Approach 2:
Air is introduced as an intermediary substance into the hydraulic system. By supplying air pressure through the dedicated air supply circuit to the water tank, the system can overcome the high point barrier and drain water partially without creating a siphoning effect. The air acts as a mediator that enables drainage while the high point continues to prevent water return
2Reliability
If the high point is located above the maximum water level, then siphoning is prevented, but the circuit cannot drain partial water quantities to an external network
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is segmented into two modes: full drainage through the high point (which prevents siphoning) and partial drainage through the air-assisted system. The air supply circuit connects to the water tank and enables controlled partial drainage to an external network by providing air pressure, while the high point remains intact to prevent siphoning during full drainage operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by introducing air pressure into the water tank. This pressure change enables water to be pushed out through the drainage system for partial drainage operations, while the high point configuration ensures that when drainage stops, the pressure equalizes and prevents siphoning backflow to the external network
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 allows for the reliable drainage of partial water quantities from the washing machine to an external waste network, preventing unintentional water return and enabling the reuse of water during subsequent cycles, while maintaining a conventional washing machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
the high point of the water distribution hydraulic circuit cannot prevent the return of the wash and/or rinse water stored in the wash and/or rinse water tank to the wash tank of the washing machine by siphoning
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); wherein said body (2) encloses a washing tub (3); a washing and/or rinsing water tank (6); a hydraulic water distribution circuit; wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit connects said washing tank (3) of said washing machine (1) to said washing and/or rinsing water tank (6); said hydraulic water distribution circuit of said washing machine (1) comprising a high point (25) formed between said washing and/or rinsing water tank (6) and said washing tub (3) of said washing machine (1); wherein said high point (25) of said hydraulic water distribution circuit is located above the maximum allowable water level inside said washing and/or rinsing water tank (6). Said high point (25) of said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one air passage opening (47). Use in particular in a top-loading washing machine.